Lane closures at Swanley Interchange are set to return next week — this time only overnight — after a round-the-clock closure caused “chaos” for drivers and was scrapped on the same day it was installed.
National Highways has confirmed that its improvement works at the Swanley Interchange roundabout in Kent will now be carried out across a series of overnight lane closures, starting from next week.
The change follows heavy traffic disruption last week when the introduction of a continuous inner lane closure led to hours-long delays for motorists and school buses.
National Highways temporarily removed the closure on November 2 — the same day it was installed — after backlash from residents, Swanley and Sevenoaks MP Laura Trott and Mayor of Swanley Cllr Michael Horwood.
MP Laura Trott called the situation “totally unacceptable”, while Cllr Horwood condemned the “utter chaos” at the junction.
It has now been announced that the lane closures will be reintroduced, but only overnight.
A spokesperson for National Highways said: “We are upgrading the traffic lights at this junction so it continues to operate safely and reliably for years to come.”
“Temporary lights were installed at the roundabout on Saturday and we are monitoring their impact closely.”
“From next week, we will then start to install and commission the new technology in phases during a series of overnight lane closures.”
The scheme involves replacing the existing traffic signals with more advanced, responsive equipment and upgrading the electrical systems to reduce the risk of future faults.
Phase two of the works was initially expected to include regular overnight closures from January to March 2027, but it is unclear if this period will now be extended.
The National Highways website says that traffic management will be removed for Christmas and New Year to restore the roundabout to full capacity.
Swanley Interchange connects Swanley to the M25, A20 and M20, and is a key route for drivers heading into and out of London from Kent.
The M25 has seen repeated disruption in recent days, with a van crash between junctions 7 and 8 causing long queues and planned overnight closures across the motorway this week.
