February is often one of the most disruptive months for drivers. Ongoing roadworks, winter weather, and short-notice repairs all combine to make journeys less predictable.
This February Kent traffic report explains what could affect your journey across Kent, with a strong focus on Medway. If you’re driving in or around Strood, Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham, or Rainham, this guide will help you plan ahead and avoid unnecessary delays.
Key Roadworks Affecting Kent in February
February is a peak month for essential road maintenance across Kent. Local authorities and National Highways often schedule works during quieter winter periods to prepare roads for increased spring traffic.
Kent County Council provides regular updates on planned and reactive roadworks across the county, including winter repairs caused by weather-related wear. You can view the latest official updates on the
Kent County Council roadworks page.
Major A-Road and Motorway Works
Drivers should expect disruption on several key routes this month, particularly on strategic roads used by commuters, tradespeople, and logistics businesses.
- M2: overnight lane closures and resurfacing works
National Highways manages the M2 and regularly carries out overnight maintenance. Current updates can be found on the official
M2 route page.
- A2: temporary restrictions affecting peak-time travel
The A2 is a key route through north Kent, where lane restrictions can slow traffic during busy periods. Updates are published by National Highways on the
A2 route page.
- A249: ongoing junction improvements
The A249 Key Street Junction continues to see improvement works that can affect traffic flow. Full details are available via
Kent County Council’s A249 Key Street Junction project page.
- Dartford Crossing (A282): maintenance causing congestion across north Kent
Maintenance at the Dartford Crossing often causes delays well beyond the crossing itself. National Highways provides advance notice of works on its
Dartford Crossing maintenance page.
According to National Highways, even planned overnight works can still lead to congestion during the early morning when traffic volumes increase. More detail on how roadworks are managed can be found on their
roadworks and traffic management page.
Planned vs Emergency Roadworks
Not all roadworks are announced well in advance, and understanding the difference can help drivers plan more effectively.
Planned Roadworks
Planned works usually:
- Are published in advance
- Include signed diversion routes
- Take place overnight or during off-peak hours
Kent County Council lists upcoming scheduled works across Kent on its
planned roadworks page.
Emergency Repairs
Emergency repairs:
- Can appear with little or no warning
- Are often caused by sudden road surface damage
- May lead to short-notice lane or road closures
Live and emergency works can be checked using the official
Kent Traffic Information service.
Cold and wet February conditions significantly increase the risk of surface damage such as potholes. Kent County Council explains how winter weather affects road conditions as part of its
winter highway maintenance programme.
Medway Traffic Updates You Should Know About
Medway’s road network is busy and tightly packed, meaning even small works can have a noticeable impact on journeys.
Strood, Rochester & Chatham
Drivers commonly experience:
- Lane closures near town centres
- Utility works on residential roads
- Heavy congestion during school and work rush hours
Real-world example:
During previous winter works near Strood town centre, temporary lane restrictions caused delays of up to 20 minutes on short journeys, particularly at peak times when diversion options were limited.
Gillingham & Rainham
In these areas, disruption often includes:
- Short-term closures for resurfacing
- Works affecting access to industrial estates
- Slower traffic during early morning trade hours
These issues are especially challenging for tradespeople and delivery drivers working to tight schedules.
How February Weather Can Affect Kent Roads
Weather plays a major role in February driving conditions across Kent.
Cold Mornings and Ice
- Icy patches are most common before 9am
- Bridges and slip roads freeze faster than main carriageways
- Rural and shaded roads are higher risk
If you’re concerned about winter driving conditions and vehicle handling, our guide on
Seasonal Van Hire in Kent: What You Need to Know offers practical advice for staying safe and prepared.
Heavy Rain and Localised Flooding
After heavy rain, some Kent roads are prone to surface water, which can cause reduced speeds, lane restrictions, and lingering delays.
How Traffic Disruption Impacts Commuters and Businesses
Traffic disruption isn’t just inconvenient, it has real knock-on effects for people and businesses across Kent.
For Commuters
- Longer and less predictable journey times
- Increased stress during winter conditions
- Missed appointments or late arrivals
For Tradespeople and Local Businesses
- Lost time travelling between jobs
- Delayed deliveries
- Restricted access to sites and customers
You can see how van hire helps businesses stay flexible during disruption in our article
How Local Businesses Use Our Vans in Kent.
Planning Ahead, How to Avoid Delays This February
A few simple steps can significantly reduce disruption.
Practical Planning Tips
- Check official traffic updates before travelling
- Build extra time into morning and peak-hour journeys
- Avoid known congestion hotspots where possible
If hiring a vehicle could help keep your plans moving, our guide
What Do You Need to Hire a Van in Kent? explains everything you need to prepare in advance.
For logistics, delivery, and operational planning, you may also find our pillar guide useful:
Your Guide to Van Hire for UK Logistics Businesses
Kent Traffic Overview, At a Glance
| Area | Main Issue | Likely Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Medway | Local roadworks | Short-notice delays |
| M2 | Overnight closures | Morning congestion |
| A2 | Lane restrictions | Slower peak travel |
| Dartford Crossing | Maintenance | Cross-county delays |
Final Thoughts
This February Kent traffic report highlights the main issues likely to affect journeys across Kent and Medway this month. With roadworks, winter weather, and busy routes all in play, planning ahead can make a real difference.
If disruption affects your plans and you need a flexible solution, short-term car or van hire can help keep things moving when it matters most.