Major M25 disruption as two lorry fires shut motorway

Part of the M25 has been closed due to two separate lorry fires, National Highways has warned.

The motorway has been shut anti-clockwise between junction 28 and junction 26 emergency services attend to two both fires, including Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.

A heavy goods vehicle caught fire around 3am between junction 27 and 26, and another lorry shut the motorway in the same direction between junctions 28 and 27.

Specialist recovery is ongoing to recover the heavy goods vehicle alight between junctions 27 and 26 and its contents as fire and rescue services lead the response with support from National Highways traffic officers.

No reopening time is available at this time as repairs or clean-up may be required to reopen the road; the closure is expected to impact rush hour.

The government agency warned of 72 minute delays on approach to the junctions with five miles of congestion.

Repairs or clean-up may be needed before the road can reopen. At this stage, no reopening time is available, and the closure is expected to extend into the morning peak.

Bright orange flames and a gulf of smoke could be seen coming from the lorry ablaze between junctions 27 and 26, according to pictures released by the organisation.

While typically a diversion would be set up at Gallows Corner, the route has been closed due to long-term roadworks. Instead, drivers looking to travel anti-clockwise between J28 and J26 have been asked to follow an alternative route.

Motorists must exit the M25 on the A12 eastbound at junction 28 and continue along the A12 eastbound towards junction 15. They must then exit the A12 at junction 15 onto the A414 northbound towards Chelmsford.

At the Widford roundabout, drivers can then take the first exit and continue on the A414 westbound. After continuing along the A414 westbound to junction 7 of the M11, they can take the first exit onto the M11 southbound. Afterwards, they can exit the M11 onto the A406 westbound and continue for approximately 6 miles to the junction with the A10.

Drivers can then rejoin the M25 at junction 25 by taking the A10 northbound.

National Highways has asked people to allow extra journey time, plan ahead, re-route or even delay their journeys. The agency’s 24/7 contact centre team is also available to provide up to the minute information on 0300 123 5000/