The M25 has fully reopened between Surrey and Kent after a serious lorry fire shut lanes for more than a day.
The Tesco lorry burst into flames on the M25 between Clacket Lane and Junction 6, near Godstone in Surrey, at 10pm on Sunday.
The M25 was shut in both directions overnight with clockwise lanes closed for around 30 hours while the lorry was removed and emergency resurfacing carried out.
The incident also closed the M26 westbound between J2A near Wrotham Heath and M25/A21.
In an update shortly after 4.30am on Tuesday, National Highways said the M25 had fully reopened.
Meanwhile the Dartford Crossing has been hit with fresh disruption due to a crash which closed one of the tunnels, causing traffic to queue anticlockwise. It has since re-opened, according to Kent County Council.
It comes after leaking hydraulic fluid from a maintenance vehicle forced the closure of one of the tunnels throughout Monday, causing delays to motorists of several hours.
Follow the latest updates below...
Key things to know this morning
- Dartford Tunnel likely to be part-closed all day, with drivers currently facing two-hour delays
- Southeastern trains to and from Victoria and Blackfriars disrupted through morning rush-hour
- 'Complex operation' to remove lorry after fire will continue through the night
Delays on Bakerloo over signalling fault
11:21 , Josh SalisburyThere are minor delays on the Bakerloo line due to a signalling failure at Watford.
The disruption is affecting the line between Stonebridge Park and Harrow & Wealdstone, said TfL.
The London Overground continues to be part-suspended because of the fault.
There is currently no Overground service between Watford Junction and Watford High Street.
London Overground part-suspended
10:48 , Josh SalisburyThe London Overground is part-suspended because of a signal failure at Watford Junction.
The fault means some lines are blocked and trains may be cancelled or revised.
TfL said there was currently no service between Watford Junction and Watford High Street.
Disruption is expected until at least 12 noon.
Nothern Line resumes normal service
10:06 , Josh SalisburyThe Northern Line has resumed normal service after earlier delays. The line had been severely disrupted due to a fire alarm at High Barnet, TfL said.
There is a good service on all other lines.
Dartford Crossing congestion clears
09:12 , Josh SalisburyThe delays heading into the Dartford Crossing have now eased after one of its tunnels reopened, Kent County Council said.
The authority said in an update: “Earlier delays on the A282 anti clockwise heading towards the Dartford Crossing between M25 J2 and the Dartford Tunnel have now cleared.”
Severe delays on Northern Line
08:34 , Josh SalisburyAway from the roads, there are severe delays on the Nothern Line Tube this morning.
The severe delays between Camden Town and High Barnet / Mill Hill East are due to an earlier fire alert at High Barnet, said TfL.
There is a good service on all other lines.
Major west London road closed over crash
07:50 , Josh SalisburyA major west London road is closed this morning due to a crash.The crash on A312 Mandeville Road near Northolt Station has closed the road northbound to Eastcote Lane North.
There is heavy congestion to Yeading back down the Parkway from the A40 (Target Roundabout), report traffic monitoring sites.
There are also southbound queues from Northolt Park, and tailbacks on Eastcote Lane North. There is a detour in operation for buses 120, 140, 282, SL9.
Dartford Tunnel reopens
07:01 , Josh SalisburyThe tunnel in the Dartford Crossing which had been closed temporarily due to a crash has since re-opened, said Kent County Council.
However, there continues to be heavy congestion.
'Queuing traffic' at Dartford Tunnel
06:49 , Josh SalisburyThere is “queueing traffic” on the approach to the Dartford Tunnel due to earlier crash on the M25 anticlockwise at the junction for the tunnel.
Traffic monitoring sites report congestion to the J2 A2 Darenth Interchange.
Motorists are being advised to allow extra time for journeys.
Crash causes new Dartford Crossing closure
06:41 , Michael HowieA crash has closed two lanes between the Dartford Tunnel and J31 (Purfleet). The left bore of the Dartford tunnels is currently closed.
It comes after a day of chaos at the Dartford Crossing due to a hydraulic fluid spillage which caused the closure of one of tunnels throughout Monday.
M25 reopens
06:33 , Michael HowieThe M25 between Surrey and Kent has finally reopened following the closure sparked by a serious lorry fire on Sunday night.
The blaze shut the motorway in both directions between J5 and J6 with clockwise traffic halted into the early hours of Tuesday as emergency work was carried out to remove the burned-out wreckage and resurface the road.
National Highways reported at 4.31am that all carriageways are now fully open.
Live coverage resumes
06:29We’re resuming our live coverage of travel as the morning rush hour approaches.
Stay with us for all the major developments as the day progresses.
Live coverage paused
Monday 21 October 2024 22:16 , Jacob PhillipsThe Standard’s live coverage has been paused overnight.
Meanwhile a ”complex operation” is underway through Monday night to remove the remains of a lorry carcass after it caught fire on Sunday.
You can read all the latest transport stories from the Evening Standard here.
'Complex operation' will continue through the night
Monday 21 October 2024 19:43 , Jacob PhillipsA “complex operation” will continue through the night to clear up the remains of a lorry carcass after it caught fire on Sunday.
In its latest update National Highways said that the M25 remains closed clockwise from Sevenoaks to Godstone after the “serious HGV fire”.
The #M25 #Surrey/Kent remains closed clockwise J5 #Sevenoaks - J6 #Godstone following a serious HGV fire.
— National Highways: South-East (@HighwaysSEAST) October 21, 2024
Works continue to dismantle and recover the lorry carcass and resurfacing works are under way.
This is a complex operation and will continue throughout the night. pic.twitter.com/N3hUDEqq3g
Works underway to dismantle lorry following fire
Monday 21 October 2024 18:54 , Jacob PhillipsNational Highways has said work is underway to dismantle the lorry which burst into flames on Sunday night on the M25 “bit by bit”.
The vehicle’s carcass is so fragile it cannot be recovered via conventional methods, according to National Highway’s website.
Resurfacing of all lanes on the main carriageway of the M25 and both lanes of the exit slip will continue throughout the night.
Two-and-a-half hour delays remain on the M25
Monday 21 October 2024 18:24 , Jacob PhillipsThere are still two-and-a-half hour delays on the M25, National Highways has warned on its website.
The latest information still shows that there are severe delays and the road remains shut.
Miles of congestion remain after a Tesco lorry burst into flames on the M25 between Clacket Lane and Junction 6, near Godstone in Surrey, at 10pm on Sunday.
Dartford Tunnel remains closed due to emergency repairs
Monday 21 October 2024 16:15 , Jacob PhillipsThe Dartford Tunnel remains shut eastbound due to emergency resurfacing, National Highways has warned.
The issue is currently causing 90 minute delays, with long waits expected into Monday evening.
The #A282 north #DartfordEastTunnel remains closed as emergency resurfacing works continue.
— National Highways: South-East (@HighwaysSEAST) October 21, 2024
The tunnel will remain closed throughout the day with severe delays on all approaches.
Please allow extra time for your journey. @Gatwick_Airport @STN_Airport pic.twitter.com/iuZi7Iwben
Drivers urged to avoid area as M25 and Dartford Tunnel closures set to continue into evening commute
Monday 21 October 2024 15:33National Highways is now warning the M25 and Dartford Tunnel are likely to remain closed throughout the evening.
One tunnel of the Dartford Tunnel has been shut since hydraulic fluid leaked onto the carriageway during maintenance works last night, leaving long queues of traffic on the approach to the crossing.
The M25 has also been shut clockwise between junctions 5 and 6 since a Tesco lorry was engulfed in flames there last night. One lane of the anti-clockwise carriageway is also shut within junction 6, and the M26 is shut westbound between junction 2A and the M25/A21.
The closures have been causing major disruption to motorways and surrounding roads all day, and the repair work is now expected to last into the evening.Robert Bell, Network Operations Manager for National Highways in the South East, has advised drivers to avoid the area if possible.
“The challenging nature and extensive damage these incidents have caused means the closures are going to run into tonight’s commute and my advice is to please plan your journey, allow extra time, and avoid the area if you possibly can,” he said.
“We have diversions in place but due to these incidents impacting each other there is already significant disruption in the surrounding areas and we expect this to get worse as we move towards the evening commute.
“Getting these roads open is our absolute priority and we are doing everything we can to make that happen.
“The M25 and the Dartford crossing are major parts of the strategic road network, and we understand the inconvenience and disruption any closure has. We appreciate people’s patience and understanding while these significant repairs are undertaken.”
Tesco lorry fire caused 'major damage' to road and central reservation
Monday 21 October 2024 15:20 , Lydia Chantler-HicksHighways England has shared details of the extensive repairs that need to be carried out on the M25 following last night’s lorry fire.
“Fire crews were at the scene for 10 hours, with the blaze causing major damage to the road surface and central reservation barrier,” it says.
“Recovery of the vehicle has been complicated by the intensity of the fire, meaning parts of the HGV have disintegrated, and work is ongoing to remove debris from the carriageway.
“Specialist cutting equipment will be used to dismantle the remaining parts of the vehicle on site.”
Elsewhere, a “large volume” of hydraulic liquid leaked during essential overnight maintenance work on one of the northbound tunnels at the Dartford Crossing.
The east tunnel remains closed, as National Highways says “around 400 metres” of the road needs resurfacing.
70-minute queues on A2 approach to M25, amid eight-mile traffic queues
Monday 21 October 2024 15:17 , Lydia Chantler-HicksTraffic on the A2 westbound is facing 70-minute delays, as eight miles of congestion on the approach to J3 of the M25, says National Highways.
This is due to the ongoing closure of the M25 following last night’s lorry fire.
M25 clockwise likely to be closed 'throughout the day'
Monday 21 October 2024 14:21 , Lydia Chantler-HicksNational Highways was previously saying the M25 was likely to be shut clockwise until midday.
It is now saying the carriageway is expected to be shut “throughout the day”.
Severe delays on Northern Line
Monday 21 October 2024 14:04 , Lydia Chantler-HicksA signal failure is causing severe delays on the Northern Line, says TfL.
The delays are affecting the line between Kennington and Camden Town via Bank, northbound only.
Watch: Video shows wreck of Tesco lorry in aftermath of fire
Monday 21 October 2024 13:45 , Lydia Chantler-HicksVideo shows the burnt-out wreck of the Tesco lorry after a fire tore through it on the M25 last night.
Surrey Police say the driver suffered minor injuries.
The M25 remains shut clockwise between junction 5 near Sevenoaks and junction 6 near Godstone/Caterham.
The anti-clockwise carriageway is open, but one lane is shut within junction 6.
The M26 is also closed westbound between junction 2A near Wrotham Heath and the M25/A21.
Motorists warned of 90 minute delays at Dartford Tunnel
Monday 21 October 2024 13:06 , Josh SalisburyMotorists are being warned of 90-minute delays at the partially-closed Dartford Tunnel.
The A282 northbound Dartford East Tunnel is closed following overnight roadworks and a vehicle breakdown, said National Highways.
In its latest update, Nationa; Highways said on the M25 clockwise there were 60 minute delays with 4 miles of queuing traffic back towards J3 for the M20.
On the A2 westbound there are 45 minute delays with 7 miles of queuing traffic back towards J1 for the A2.
Signalling fault hits Southern trains in south London
Monday 21 October 2024 12:47 , Josh SalisburySouthern trains in south London have been hit with disruption amid a signalling fault.
Services which run between West Norwood and Streatham Hill may be cancelled, delayed or diverted, passengers are being warned.
Services that normally run between London Victoria and London Bridge (via Streatham Hill and Forest Hill) will be diverted between Streatham Hill and London Bridge, running via Tulse Hill and Peckham Rye instead.
Services that normally run between West Croydon and London Victoria (via Crystal Palace and Balham) will be diverted and run via Selhurst and Streatham Common instead.
Minor delays on Overground
Monday 21 October 2024 12:36 , Josh SalisburyThere are minor delays on the London Overground because of a signal failure.
The fault is affecting the line between Gospel Oak and Barking Riverside because of a signal failure at Woodgrange Park.
Severe delays after Tesco lorry fire on M25
Monday 21 October 2024 12:21 , Josh SalisburyMotorists are being warned to expect severe delays of two-and-a-half hours on the M25 and M26 after a Tesco lorry burst into flames.
The M25 is closed clockwise between J5 near Sevenoaks and J6 near Godstone /Caterham.
The clockwise carriageway is likely to remain closed throughout the day as specialist recovery is required, said National Highways.
The anti-clockwise carriageway is open with lane 3 remaining closed within J6, said officials.
This has also closed the M26 westbound between J2A near Wrotham Heath and M25/A21.
Victoria and Blackfriars rail disruption clears
Monday 21 October 2024 11:52 , Lydia Chantler-HicksThe disruption that has been affecting trains to and from Victoria and Blackfriars this morning following overrunning engineering works has now ended, says Network Rail.
Drivers blast National Highways for 'absolute shambles'
Monday 21 October 2024 10:45 , Lydia Chantler-HicksMotorists have been criticising National Highways on social media, following the closure of the Dartford Tunnel.
One of the crossing’s two tunnels is expected to be closed all day after a vehicle involved in maintenance works leaked hydraulic fluid inside the tunnel last night. The large leak now means the road needs resurfacing.
Drivers have blasted National Highways, which says delays on the approach to the tunnel have hit 120 minutes.
“It’s not even 120 minute delays,” wrote one driver named Scott. “Left at 6am. Took 2 hours just to get passed the Bluewater junction. Then didn’t move for an hour so gave up and drove back home.”
Another X user named Harry Morgan said it took him three-and-a-half hours to drive from St Albans to Strood - a journey that should typically take just over an hour.
Others have described the situation as “an absolute shambles” and “a joke”.“Closed for repairs now it's closed for utter incompetence, where do I send the invoice for completely ruining everyone’s day?” wrote one.
Two-hour delays on Dartford Tunnel approach, warns National Highways
Monday 21 October 2024 10:10 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks“Severe” delays on the approach to the Dartford Tunnel have now reached two hours, National Highways is warning drivers.
The east tunnel is expected to remain shut all day, after a spillage inside the tunnel which has led to it now needing emergency resurfacing work.
The #A282 north #DartfordEastTunnel remains closed for emergency resurfacing works. The tunnel will remain closed throughout the day, with severe delays on all approaches.
— National Highways: South-East (@HighwaysSEAST) October 21, 2024
Please allow extra time for your journey. @Gatwick_Airport
Please see: https://t.co/znksmkfA4k pic.twitter.com/OXSF7UuPgd
Map shows scale of disruption amid M25, M26 and Dartford Tunnel closures
Monday 21 October 2024 09:57 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks
Lorry driver escaped with minor injuries
Monday 21 October 2024 09:41 , Lydia Chantler-HicksSurrey Police has confirmed the driver of the lorry that caught fire on the M25 last night sustained only minor injuries.
Drivers facing 45-minute delays on M25
Monday 21 October 2024 09:14National Highways warns drivers are currently facing 45-minute delays on the M25, in both direction.
It says there are four miles of congestion tailing back both clockwise and anti-clockwise, in the area of last night’s lorry fire at junction 6.
Photo shows recovery operation on M25 after lorry fire
Monday 21 October 2024 08:42 , Lydia Chantler-HicksA photo shared on X by National Highways shows recovery teams on the M25 clearing the clockwise carriageway following last night’s serious lorry fire.
A crane can be seen lifting the burnt-out wreck of the lorry from the road. Other pieces of blackened debris and parts of twisted wreckage remain in the road.
Northern Line delays downgraded to 'minor'
Monday 21 October 2024 08:38 , Lydia Chantler-HicksSevere delays on the Northern Line have now ended. There are now minor delays on the line, and a good service operating on all other Tube lines, as well as the DLR and London Overground, TfL says.
People travelling to Gatwick Airport by road urged to check M25 status
Monday 21 October 2024 08:30 , Lydia Chantler-HicksGatwick is urging any passengers travelling to the airport by road today to check the status of the M25, amid the ongoing traffic chaos following last night’s lorry fire.
“It may be worth considering alternative transport to the airport, such as by train,” the airport said on X.
The M25 is shut clockwise between junctions 5 and 6. Gatwick airport lies near the closure area, off junction 7.
⚠️ Anyone driving to London Gatwick today is strongly advised to check the status of the M25 following a serious lorry fire and multiple lane closures.
— London Gatwick LGW (@Gatwick_Airport) October 21, 2024
For the latest info, please see @HighwaysSEAST’s webpage 👉 https://t.co/IMisPucMSg pic.twitter.com/6C6xSC8K9T
Diversion in place on M25 and M26
Monday 21 October 2024 08:03 , Lydia Chantler-HicksDiversions are currently in place for motorists travelling clockwise on the M25 and on the M26 westbound, which remain closed.
M25 diversion:
Road users travelling clockwise are advised to follow the hollow triangle diversion symbol on road signs, says National Highways.
- At M25 Junction 5 follow onto A21 and then take the second A25 exit towards Westerham.
- Follow A25 through Sundridge, Brasted, Westerham, Limpsfield and Oxted.
- Continue along A25 towards Godstone to A25 / A22 roundabout.
- Take 3rd exit onto A22 towards London to M25 Junction 6 "Godstone Interchange" and take 2nd exit and rejoin M25 towards Gatwick.
M26 diversion:
Road users that were intending to use the M26 are advised to follow the below diversion route and then the above diversion route for the closure from J5 of the M25 (hollow triangle).
- Exit the M26 at J2A and take the third exit onto the M20 at J2.
- Continue on the M20 to J1 and then join the M25 at J3 heading clockwise.
- Continue on the M25 towards J5 to resume your intended journey.
What's the current situation on the M25?
Monday 21 October 2024 07:35 , Lydia Chantler-HicksThe M25 in Surrey/Kent remains closed clockwise between J5 near Sevenoaks and J6 near Godstone/Caterham following a serious lorry fire that happened last night.
The anti-clockwise carriageway has re-opened, but two of the four lanes remain closed within J6.
This has also closed the M26 westbound between J2A near Wrotham Heath and M25/A21.
The clockwise M25 is likely to remain closed until at least midday, so the wreck of the lorry can be removed. The road will likely also need to be resurfaced.
Severe delays on Northern Line
Monday 21 October 2024 07:27 , Lydia Chantler-HicksTfL is warning of severe delays on the Northern Line between Kennington and Camden Town via Bank.
The delays are only affecting the northbound route, and are caused by an earlier faulty train.
There’s a good service on the rest of the line, and across the rest of the TfL network.
Southeastern trains to and from Victoria and Blackfriars disrupted
Monday 21 October 2024 07:06Overrunning engineering works at London Victoria means Southeastern services running to and from both Victoria and Blackfriars stations are disrupted this morning.
Services may be cancelled or delayed, with the disruption due to last through the morning rush-hour to around 10.30am, says National Rail.
Some trains across the following routes have been cancelled due to trains being stuck in the depot in Victoria:
- London Blackfriars - Beckenham Junction
- London Victoria - Orpington
- London Victoria - Dover Priory / Ramsgate
Hour-long delays as Dartford Tunnel due to be part-closed all day
Monday 21 October 2024 06:48 , Lydia Chantler-HicksThere are currently 60-minute delays affecting all approaches to the Dartford Tunnel.
The East Tunnel was shut overnight so maintenance work could be carried out, but it appears a lorry involved in the work has broken down, leaking hydraulic fluid inside the tunnel.
The “large spillage” means the tunnel now requires emergency resurfacing works, says National Highways.
“Due to the extent of the works, the east tunnel will remain closed throughout the day,” it said on X just now.“There are severe delays on all approaches.”
*Update*
— National Highways: South-East (@HighwaysSEAST) October 21, 2024
The #A282 north #DartfordEastTunnel remains closed following a large spillage within the tunnel that requires emergency resurfacing works
Due to the extent of the works, the east tunnel will remain closed throughout the day.
There are severe delays on all approaches pic.twitter.com/px3UlduUoW
Dartford Tunnel closed
Monday 21 October 2024 06:36 , Michael HowieThe Dartford Tunnel is currently closed due to a problem with overnight maintenance works.
A lorry has leaked hydraulic fluid onto the road which is requiring emergency resurfacing to take place, according to National Highways.
M25 lorry fire
Monday 21 October 2024 06:31 , Michael HowieThe M25 is currently shut clockwise between Junction 5 and 6 after a lorry burst into flames around 10pm last night.
The motorway was closed in both directions for several hours following the incident, which saw emergency services rush to the scene.
Two of four lanes anti-clockwise have since reopened.
However it is expected to stay shut in a clockwise direction until at least midday as specialist recovery takes place and for likely resurfacing work.
Good morning
Monday 21 October 2024 06:28 , Michael HowieWelcome to the Standard’s coverage of travel news this Monday morning.
We’ll bring you all the major developments as the day progresses.
