“The tunnel was closed following a power failure overnight and apologised for the inconvenience,” stated Medway Council, addressing the unexpected disruption.
The Medway Tunnel, a vital route that typically helps bypass urban congestion, was shut in both directions due to the incident. This closure affected the stretch between Anthonys Way at Medway City Estate and Maritime Way at Chatham Docks.
As a result, heavy congestion was reported on surrounding approaches, with drivers experiencing significant delays. Traffic backed up to Higham and Chattenden around the Wainscott Bypass, while Frindsbury Road into Strood, Pier Road through Gillingham, and Dock Road into Chatham also saw increased congestion.
In an effort to alleviate the situation, drivers were urged to use alternative routes and allow extra travel time. However, these alternative routes quickly became congested, with Rochester Bridge carrying heavier traffic than usual as drivers sought to avoid the tunnel.
The closure was further compounded by delays caused by a nearby building fire on Strood High Street, which had already strained local traffic conditions. Emergency crews were on the scene for approximately four hours, with seven fire engines responding to the café fire.
As the situation develops, drivers should assume that alternative routes will remain slower until the tunnel is reopened. Medway Council continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the timeline for the tunnel’s reopening, but authorities are working diligently to resolve the power failure and restore normal traffic flow.