The M25 is closed both directions between J30 (Dartford) and J29 (Romford) after a HGV carrying car tyres burst into flames causing a serious fire with thick clouds of smoke filling the air. National Highways are warning this section of the motorway is likely to be shut for most of today (Wednesday, August 13) and that could well have to be resurfaced.
A National Highways spokesperson said: “Plans are being put in place to relieve traffic caught within the closure.” There are reports of congestion to J3 (M20 Swanley interchange) back through the tunnels. Clockwise is slow to J28 (A12 Brook Street Roundabout).
The spokesperson added drivers are being urged to allow time to complete journeys on the M25. Firefighters from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service are tackling the blaze near the Dartford Crossing.
M25 diversion routes in full for all drivers
Road users travelling anti-clockwise are advised to follow the hollow square diversion symbol on road signs:
- From M25 Junction 30 exit slip roundabout take 3rd
exit onto A13 towards Tilbury. - At A128 bear left onto exit slip and then take 1st exit at “Orsett
Cock” roundabout onto A128 towards Brentwood. - At “Halfway House” roundabout take 1st exit onto A127 towards London.
- Follow A127 and take exit slip towards M25 Junction 29 and then take 3rd exit at roundabout to rejoin M25 towards Stanstead.
Road users travelling clockwise are advised to follow the hollow triangle diversion symbol on road signs
- Exit the M25 J29 on to the A127
- Exit at the next roundabout and take the 4th exit on to the A128
- Travel on the A128 towards Orsett
- At Orsett Cock roundabout, take the 4th exit on to the A13
- Travel on the A13 westbound and rejoin the M25 at J30
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