M25 lanes closed after lorry breakdown and crash near Heathrow and Dartford
Traffic congestion stretches to Junction 13 at Staines while one lane remains shut at Junction 2
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Two lanes on the M25 clockwise carriageway are closed at Junction 14 after a lorry broke down earlier this morning. The closure has caused traffic congestion stretching back to Junction 13 at Staines, as reported by This Is Local London.
Separately, a crash involving a van and a car has shut one lane on the anticlockwise exit slip road at Junction 2, the Darenth Interchange. Traffic is currently moving through the remaining lanes, but delays remain possible.
M25 Gridlock: Three Crashes Cause 90-Minute Delays
Multiple collisions on September 20, 2026, led to extensive congestion and emergency service response across Surrey and Kent.
Impact on drivers
The breakdown at Junction 14 affects vehicles travelling clockwise towards Heathrow. Drivers heading to the airport or joining the M4 may face delays, particularly during the morning commute. No diversions have been announced, but National Highways has not provided an estimated reopening time.
At Junction 2, the crash has reduced capacity on the exit slip road for drivers leaving the M25 anticlockwise. While traffic is coping, further delays could develop if additional incidents occur or if recovery efforts take longer than expected.
M25 and M26 face long delays after breakdown and crash
Motorists experience 30-minute hold-ups from the QEII Bridge due to lane closures and congestion.
What happens next
National Highways is responsible for clearing both incidents. The agency has not released details on when lanes will reopen or whether recovery vehicles have arrived at either scene. Drivers are advised to monitor traffic updates via the National Highways website or local radio bulletins.
No injuries have been reported in either incident, according to This Is Local London. The cause of the crash at Junction 2 remains unclear, and no further updates have been issued by emergency services.
Questions this report answers
+How long will the M25 lanes stay closed?
National Highways has not confirmed when lanes will reopen at Junction 14 or Junction 2. Drivers should check traffic updates for the latest information, as delays may persist for several hours.
+Are there any diversions in place for the M25 closures?
No official diversions have been announced for either incident. Drivers are advised to follow signage and use alternative routes if possible, particularly near Heathrow and the Dartford Crossing.
+Has anyone been injured in the M25 incidents?
No injuries have been reported in either the lorry breakdown at Junction 14 or the crash at Junction 2, according to This Is Local London. Emergency services have not issued further statements.
WE FILE
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The London Travel Desk assembled this report from the outlets listed below. Language-model drafting is reviewed under human editorial supervision, with scoring notes and corrections kept visible.
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