The M25 has been partially closed anti-clockwise near Surrey following a crash late Sunday night, leading to significant delays and disruption for motorists. The incident, which occurred just before 23:50 GMT, involved a lorry colliding with the central reservation between junction 10 (A3) and junction 8 (Reigate), forcing the closure of the carriageway for repairs.
According to National Highways, the lorry struck the central reservation and ended up lying sideways across the motorway. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported as a result of the accident. Traffic caught behind the crash was allowed to pass through using a single lane, but the situation remained complicated due to the need for extensive repairs.
Surrey Police noted the wreckage was managed quickly, as the agency worked to clear the scene and restore traffic flow. The expected duration for the full closure is up to five hours as repair crews resurface and assess the damage caused to the road.
Traffic diversions have been put in place, routing vehicles onto the A240 and A217, with recovery efforts now complete. Nonetheless, significant delays persisted, especially affecting motorists traveling from Portsmouth and surrounding areas via the A3, as alternate routes became congested.
National Highways confirmed the lorry had been removed from the scene and stated, "Road surface is currently being assessed by a specialist engineer for damages." The hope is to have the anti-clockwise carriageway fully reopened by Monday evening's rush hour, minimizing the impact on commuters as much as possible.
M25 collisions and subsequent closures are not uncommon but can lead to frustrating delays and longer travel times, particularly on busy routes during peak traffic hours. Authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution and plan their journeys accordingly until the road is fully operational again.
Motorists affected by these delays are advised to stay updated with traffic news and follow signs for re-routed paths. While incidents like these can cause significant frustration, safety for both recovery crews and other road users remains top priority.