Catherine Brookes, of Highways England, said: “Safety is our top priority”. All lanes on the Londonbound carriageway reopened just after 5.20pm.
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A digger being transported by a lorry hit the pedestrian footbridge, resulting in the structure collapsing and the motorway being closed in both directions between junctions 1 and 4.
Witnesses say a truck hauling construction vehicles appeared to clip the bridge Saturday on the London-bound M20 highway 30 miles (48 kilometres) southeast of the British capital.
The reopening was several hours later than planned, and Highways England said the westbound carriageway of the motorway, which links London with the Channel Tunnel and the Port of Dover, was still closed. A motorcyclist fell off his bike and was hospitalized with broken ribs, while the trucker was treated for shock. Drivers are reminded to abide by the limit which is in place for the safety of all road users.
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“The 50mph speed limit is being introduced until work to remove the rest of the footbridge is complete”. While we concentrated on reopening the road as soon as possible to help drivers, it was imperative this was done safely.
