A2 closure: junctions still shut after serious crash, traffic latest, diversion route and M2 disruption

A2 is still partly closed near Gravesend and Rochester in Kent.
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A major road remains partly shut after a serious crash involving a car and a lorry.

The A2 was originally closed in both directions today (5 August), National Highways has said.

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An air ambulance landed at the scene, while police and other emergency services also attended.

Drivers are warned to expected disruption as a result.

Here is all you need to know:

Where are the closures?

A2 is currently shut in both directions between the A227 and the junction with the M2.

Emergency services include paramedics and an air ambulance are attending the scene.

Highways England said that the has reopened eastbound.

The westbound carriageway remains shut.

What has National Highways said?

National Highways - South East tweeted earlier this afternoon: “#A2 is closed in both directions between #A227 near #Cobham #Gravesend and #M2 J1 / #A289 near #Rochester due to a collision involving a car and a lorry.

Kent Police and an Air Ambulance are in attendance.

“Barrier damage also reported. Updates to follow soon.”

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In an update this evening, the account added: “Reminder - The #A2 remains closed westbound between #M2 J1 / #A289 near #Rochester and the #A227 near #Cobham #Gravesend following an earlier collision. @kent_police continue investigation work at the scene. Please seek an alternative route as delays of 45 mins on the approach.”

Have Kent Police said anything?

Kent Police have released a statement on social media about the collision.

The force’s official account tweeted: “Our officers and paramedics are currently at the scene of a serious collision involving a lorry and a car on the London-bound carriageway of the A2 near Gravesend.

“Both carriageways are currently closed and motorists may wish to consider alternative routes to avoid congestion.”

The Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance has just recorded its busiest June on record.The Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance has just recorded its busiest June on record.
The Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance has just recorded its busiest June on record.
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Kent County Council Highways added: “Cobham, A2 Watling Street: Both carriageways are currently closed between Cobham and Gravesend following an RTC on the Londonbound carriageway.

“Emergency services are in attendance.

“Expect long delays and use an alternative route where possible.”

Is there a diversion route in place?

National Highways has announced a diversion route for traffic:

Westbound - Initially follow the solid square symbol, via the A289 north, the A226 west and A227 south.

How bad is the traffic?

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Drivers are facing “severe” delays on A2 as the westbound carriageway remains shut.

National Highways has warned there are delays of 45 minutes.

AA Traffic advises: “Severe delays of 35 minutes and delays increasing on M2 Westbound between J3 (Chatham / Rochester) and J1 A2 (Strood). Average speed five mph.”

How long is A2 and where does it go?

The A2 is a major road in south-east England, connecting London with the English Channel port of Dover in Kent.

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This route has always been of importance as a connection between London and sea trade routes to Continental Europe. It was originally known as the Dover Road.

The M2 motorway has replaced part of the A2 as the strategic route.

It is 79 miles in length and it follows a similar route to that of a Celtic ancient trackway.

The current road was given the name A2 during the Great Britain road numbering scheme in the 1920s.

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The Dartford Crossing opened as a single tunnel in 1963, then a second tunnel opened in 1980 for additional traffic on the A2, and the M2 Motorway opened in stages between 1963 and 1965 providing an alternative faster route for long-distance traffic avoiding the A2 through Rochester and Chatham.

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