Closures Disrupt the M25 in Essex

National Highways has confirmed that sections of the M25 motorway remain closed anti-clockwise following two separate lorry fires. The first incident led to a full shutdown between junction 27 and junction 26 after a heavy goods vehicle caught fire around 3am. A second fire has closed the carriageway between junction 28 and junction 27 in the same direction, leaving drivers facing significant disruption across Essex.

Scale of the Fires and Visible Impact

Bright orange flames and a gulf of smoke were visible from the lorry ablaze between junctions 27 and 26, according to images released by National Highways. The organisation described the scene as requiring specialist recovery teams to remove the vehicle and its contents safely.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is leading the response at the primary site, supported by National Highways traffic officers. The second fire between junctions 28 and 27 has also drawn emergency services, though details on the condition of that vehicle remain limited at this stage.

Emergency Response and Recovery Operations

Specialist recovery continues at the scene of the heavy goods vehicle fire between junctions 27 and 26. National Highways traffic officers are assisting Essex County Fire and Rescue Service to manage the incident and ensure safety protocols are followed during the removal process.

Both incidents have required coordinated action from multiple agencies. The absence of a confirmed reopening time reflects the need for thorough assessment once the fires are extinguished, including checks for any damage to the carriageway itself.

Traffic Delays and Congestion Levels

National Highways has warned of 72-minute delays on approach to the affected junctions, with five miles of congestion already reported. These figures illustrate the immediate pressure on surrounding routes as traffic diverts away from the closed sections.

The closures coincide with the approach to the morning rush hour, raising concerns for commuters travelling through Essex and into London. The government agency has emphasised that the situation could worsen as more vehicles join the network.

Alternative Routes and Diversion Advice

Drivers seeking to travel anti-clockwise between junction 28 and junction 26 have been directed to follow a specific alternative route. Motorists must exit the M25 on the A12 eastbound at junction 28 and continue along the A12 eastbound towards junction 15.

They are then required to exit the A12 at junction 15 onto the A414 northbound towards Chelmsford. At the Widford roundabout, drivers take the first exit and continue on the A414 westbound. After reaching junction 7 of the M11, they take the first exit onto the M11 southbound, before exiting onto the A406 westbound and continuing for approximately six miles to the junction with the A10. Rejoining the M25 occurs at junction 25 via the A10 northbound.

Typically a diversion would be set up at Gallows Corner, yet that route remains closed due to long-term roadworks, forcing reliance on this longer alternative. National Highways has urged all motorists to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.

Broader Effects on Daily Travel and the Region

The M25 serves as a vital artery for freight and passenger movement across the south-east of England. Disruptions of this nature affect not only private motorists but also commercial operators reliant on timely deliveries through Essex and neighbouring counties.

With the closures expected to persist through the morning peak, local councils and transport planners in the region will be monitoring knock-on effects on connecting roads. Commuters who usually use the motorway for work or essential travel face altered routines until normal service resumes.

National Highways continues to provide updates through its official channels, stressing that conditions can change rapidly as recovery work progresses. Motorists are advised to check for the latest information before setting out.