The M25 and M26 motorways have faced major disruptions this week due to separate incidents which caused serious delays for drivers trying to navigate these busy routes. The events unfolded during the day, leading to significant traffic congestion across the areas impacted.
Just after midday, the first incident occurred on the M25. Reports indicated a serious collision took place between Junctions 29 and 28, where a pedestrian was involved. Emergency services arrived swiftly to manage the situation, and the road was closed for safety reasons, causing long tailbacks. According to National Highways, the closure stretched back nearly five miles and left many drivers stuck for over an hour.
Traffic cameras noted extensive queuing from the Dartford Crossing back to Junction 30, which included heavy backup leading to the Lakeside Shopping Centre and the A13. Authorities advised motorists to exercise caution and follow diversion routes as traffic continued to build. By 8 PM, delays were recorded at an hour and thirty minutes.
Meanwhile, the M26 was dealing with its ordeal. A lorry fire forced the eastbound lanes to shut between Junctions 5 and 2A, starting around 9 AM. Fire crews from Kent’s Fire and Rescue Service were deployed to tackle the blaze. It took approximately five hours for the motorway to reopen completely, but not without delays extending up to twelve miles due to the significant congestion it created.
Traffic condition updates indicated vehicles were trapped, raising concerns among drivers as they faced lengthy waits during the day. Reports from traffic monitoring services indicated at least two miles of halted traffic, leading to the invocation of rearward relief measures to gradually release the stranded vehicles.
National Highways confirmed the reopening of the M26 shortly after 3 PM, but cumulative congestion delayed motorists well beyond the reopening. Emergency services remained on site to assist and manage traffic flow as the hours progressed, and many drivers were still stuck on the roads even as darkness fell.
With both roads affected by emergency circumstances, drivers were advised to remain alert and allow extra time for their journeys. Reports of traffic throttling back as far as Junctions 6 on the M25 created additional stress for those caught up during peak travel hours.
Motorists wishing to travel through these routes on the M25 and M26 faced unusual challenges as roadworks compounded the effects of these incidents, causing routine travels to exceed usual estimates. The sequence of events has raised safety concerns and prompted discussions about the stability of measures in place to avert such extensive delays.
Following the reopening of both motorways, traffic analysts reminded drivers to keep upcoming travel plans flexible and check live updates to avoid any unforeseen complications on their routes.
By late evening, little by little, the traffic began to clear, and the M26 was reported to have no more delays or major congestion as it normalized. Authorities have been monitoring the situation and continue to prompt drivers to stay informed for any future road closures or incidents.
