M25 Traffic Latest Update Today: The M25 motorway is facing major disruption today after a collision shut the anti-clockwise carriageway at J27 in Essex. The crash left a lorry sideways across all lanes and caused diesel to spill onto the motorway, forcing National Highways to close the section for recovery and clean-up work.
The closure has created severe congestion between Junction 28 and Junction 27, with National Highways reporting around four miles of queues and delays of up to 2.5 hours. Drivers approaching the affected area are being diverted while crews work to clear the carriageway.
M25 Traffic Latest Update Today
The main disruption is on the anti-clockwise M25 within Junction 27, where the motorway remains closed following the collision.
National Highways has deployed resources alongside Essex Police and Essex Fire & Rescue to deal with the incident. The authorities are managing the recovery operation and the diesel contamination across the carriageway.
Separate lane restrictions are also affecting other parts of the M25, including a lane closure on the anti-clockwise carriageway within Junction 26.
M25 Traffic Latest Update Today: What Happened?
The disruption began after a collision involving two lorries and one car on the anti-clockwise carriageway at Junction 27.
One of the lorries jack-knifed and came to rest sideways across all lanes. The impact also ruptured its fuel tank, sending diesel across the motorway and creating an additional clean-up and safety problem for emergency crews.
National Highways said: “No serious injuries were reported from the collision.”
The agency also said: “However, one of the lorries has ‘jack-knifed’ and is sideways across all lanes. The fuel tank of this lorry has ruptured, resulting in it’s diesel leaking over all lanes.”
M25 Traffic Latest Update Today: Casualties & Injuries
National Highways confirmed that no serious injuries were reported following the collision.
Emergency services attended the scene after the crash. Essex Police, Essex Fire & Rescue and National Highways crews have been involved in managing the incident and securing the affected section of motorway.
The authorities have focused on removing the damaged vehicles, dealing with the diesel spill and checking the road before reopening the carriageway.
M25 Traffic Latest Update Today: Delays & Congestion
The closure has caused significant delays on the anti-clockwise M25.
National Highways reported around four miles of congestion between Junction 28 and Junction 27, with delays reaching approximately 2.5 hours.
Motorists approaching Junction 27 should therefore expect substantially longer journey times. Traffic conditions can also change as vehicles divert away from the closed section and use surrounding roads.
M25 Traffic Latest Update Today: Closed / Affected Roads
The principal closure affects the M25 anti-clockwise within Junction 27, connecting with the M11.
- Traffic approaching Junction 27 on the anti-clockwise carriageway is being diverted before reaching the closure.
- National Highways said there is no traffic trapped inside the closed section.
- A separate lane closure has also been reported on the M25 anti-clockwise within Junction 26, where lanes 3 and 4 are affected.
- Drivers should follow temporary signs and avoid entering closed sections of the motorway.
M25 Traffic Latest Update Today Diversion Routes
National Highways has advised anti-clockwise traffic approaching Junction 27 to use the official diversion. Drivers should:
- Exit the M25 at Junction 27 onto the M11 southbound.
- Continue on the M11 to Junction 4.
- Leave the M11 and join the A406 westbound.
Continue on the A406 for approximately six miles towards the A10. - Join the A10 northbound.
- Follow the A10 to rejoin the M25 at Junction 25.
Drivers should follow the hollow-square diversion signs displayed on local roads rather than attempting to pass through the closed section.
M25 Traffic Latest Update Today: When Will Traffic Reopen?
National Highways has warned that the anti-clockwise carriageway within Junction 27 could remain closed for several hours and potentially into the overnight period.
The extended closure is linked to the recovery of the vehicles, diesel clean-up and possible infrastructure repairs. The motorway must undergo the necessary safety checks before authorities can reopen the affected lanes.
Motorists should not assume that the road will reopen immediately after the damaged lorry leaves the scene. Recovery and clean-up operations can continue after the initial crash response.
M25 Traffic Latest Update Today: Helpline Numbers
Drivers looking for the latest information on the M25 can contact the National Highways 24/7 contact centre on 0300 123 5000.
Motorists can also check live traffic information before travelling and follow instructions from National Highways and emergency services at the scene.
M25 Traffic Latest Update Today: What Should Travellers Know?
Drivers using the anti-clockwise M25 should allow significantly more time for their journeys, particularly around Junctions 28 and 27.
The safest option is to follow the official diversion and avoid the closed carriageway. Drivers should also expect heavier traffic on alternative roads as vehicles leave the M25 and use the diversion route.
The situation will continue to change as emergency crews complete recovery, diesel removal and road repairs. National Highways has advised motorists affected by the closure to “allow extra journey time” and consider rerouting or delaying their journey where possible.
