Motorists and school buses were stuck in traffic for hours on the approach to Swanley Interchange this morning (November 2) after National Highways started improvement works at the junction.
The northern half of the roundabout was initially expected to shut overnight on October 31, followed by the southern section on November 1, to allow for temporary traffic management to be installed.
But, according to Sevenoaks and Swanley MP Laura Trott, this did not happen due to foggy weather.
READ MORE: Swanley Interchange roundabout to face 24/7 lane closure
The inner lane of the roundabout – which was scheduled to be closed 24/7 from today (November 2) – was then shut anyway, despite no traffic management measures being put in place.
In a statement on social media, Ms Trott said: “They [National Highways] informed me that due to fog on Friday they were unable to put in place the temporary traffic management – but still put in the lane closure – and this is what led to traffic grinding to a halt this morning.
“National Highways have accepted that should not have happened and have offered their apologies to every one who was delayed.”
Following discussions between Ms Trott, Swanley Town Council and National Highways, the lane closure has been removed and will not be reinstalled for at least the rest of the week.
Over the coming weekend, the traffic management measures will be put in place at Swanley Interchange, but without a lane closure initially so traffic flows can be monitored, Laura Trott said.
The MP called the situation “totally unacceptable” and said she was “absolutely appalled” by the traffic “chaos”.
Mayor of Swanley Cllr Michael Horwood added: “I’m frustrated to hear the utter chaos caused this morning by the works on the M25 Junction 3 roundabout at Swanley.
“A number of residents have got in touch in utter exasperation about the works, which are being carried out by National Highways.
“Some have said it has caused delays of over 3 hours to their journeys this morning. That is utterly unacceptable.
“One thing to note, National Highways in their traffic impact assessment on these works has stated that a lane closure will have “minor to moderate impact” on the junction traffic – that assessment certainly does not align with the utter carnage seen this morning!”
National Highways has apologised for the disruption and confirmed the works will be rescheduled.
A National Highways spokesperson said: “We acknowledge the disruption that was caused while carrying out our traffic signal upgrade works and apologise for the inconvenience.
“We have now removed all lane restrictions and temporary traffic lights on the roundabout and the works will be rescheduled.”
