“The tunnel was closed following a power failure overnight and we apologise for the inconvenience,” stated Medway Council.
The Medway Tunnel is currently shut in both directions, affecting the critical stretch between Anthonys Way at Medway City Estate and Maritime Way at Chatham Docks. This closure has resulted in heavy congestion on surrounding routes, creating significant delays for drivers.
Traffic has backed up to Higham and Chattenden around the Wainscott Bypass, with congestion also reported on Frindsbury Road into Strood, Pier Road through Gillingham, and Dock Road into Chatham. The situation has been exacerbated by a nearby building fire on Strood High Street, compounding delays for both drivers and freight movements.
Motorists are being urged to seek alternative routes and allow extra travel time as the closure continues to disrupt normal traffic patterns. Rochester Bridge is experiencing heavier traffic than usual as drivers look for ways to bypass the affected area.
Emergency crews were called to the café fire, which lasted for four hours and required seven fire engines to bring under control. This incident has further complicated the traffic conditions in the vicinity.
Drivers should assume that alternative routes will be slower until the tunnel is reopened. The Medway Tunnel typically serves as a vital bypass for traffic, alleviating congestion in urban areas.
As of now, details remain unconfirmed regarding the expected duration of the tunnel’s closure. Authorities are working to resolve the power failure as quickly as possible to restore normal traffic flow.