M25 northbound lanes closed after lorry breakdown near London
Drivers face delays on the motorway with two lanes shut since 18 August 2026
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Two lanes of the M25 northbound carriageway have been closed since the early hours of 18 August 2026 after a lorry broke down. The incident occurred north of London, though the exact location has not been confirmed by authorities or transport operators.
Drivers travelling on the M25 northbound are experiencing delays due to the reduced capacity. National Highways, which manages the motorway network, has not issued a statement on the expected duration of the closure or diversion routes.
M25 Dartford closure after lorry fire causes 12-mile queues
National Highways diverts traffic onto local roads in Barnet and Bexley until at least 19:00 today
Impact on local roads and commuters
While the M25 closure is not within the boundaries of Barnet, the motorway is a key route for residents travelling to and from the borough. Commuters heading towards Hertfordshire, Essex or further north may face longer journey times.
Local roads in neighbouring areas, such as Potters Bar and Enfield, could see increased traffic as drivers seek alternative routes. No official advice has been issued by Barnet Council or Transport for London on recommended diversions.
M25 crash in Holmesdale Tunnel shuts two lanes near Enfield
Lorry and car collision causes delays during Thursday morning rush hour
What happens next
It remains unclear when the two closed lanes will reopen. National Highways has not provided an update on recovery efforts or whether the lorry has been removed from the carriageway. Drivers are advised to monitor traffic reports for real-time information.
No further details on the cause of the breakdown or the operator of the lorry have been released. This Is Local London reported the incident on 18 August 2026 but did not include additional information on the vehicle or its cargo.
Questions this report answers
+Where exactly is the M25 closed?
The closure is on the northbound carriageway of the M25, north of London. The precise location has not been confirmed by National Highways or local authorities. Drivers are advised to check traffic updates for details.
+How long will the M25 lanes stay closed?
No timeline has been provided for reopening the two closed lanes. National Highways has not issued an update on recovery efforts or when normal traffic flow will resume on the M25 northbound.
+Are there alternative routes for drivers?
No official diversion routes have been announced by National Highways or Barnet Council. Drivers may experience increased traffic on local roads in areas like Potters Bar and Enfield as they seek alternatives.
+Who should drivers contact for updates?
Drivers can check real-time traffic updates from National Highways or local traffic news services. Barnet Council has not issued specific guidance for residents affected by the M25 closure.
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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