Subject
National Highways
London Travel News has published 75 stories involving National Highways, from August 2026 to November 2026. Each one is scored for how well the original reporting stood up, and lists the reports it was written from.
- Roads & Driving · M25
M25 drivers face 16 overnight closures next week
Drivers using the M25 between Tuesday, November 3, and Friday, November 6, should prepare for overnight disruption. National Highways has announced 16 planned closures affecting various sections of the motorway, with most roads expected to reopen by 5.30am.
M253 min readTrust 40 · Craft 55 · Hype 45 - Roads & Driving · All London
Dart Charge fines total £177 million in one year
Drivers faced over 2.4 million Dart Charge fines totalling £177,987,943 in the 12 months to September 28, 2026. National Highways recovered £28.3 million from these penalties.
All London2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 53 · Hype 41 - Roads & Driving · M25
QEII Bridge closed southbound due to police incident
The QEII Bridge has been closed southbound following a police incident, leading to significant traffic delays and miles of tailbacks on the M25. National Highways is diverting traffic via the East Tunnel at the Dartford Crossing.
M252 min readTrust 30 · Craft 45 · Hype 61 
Tube & Rail · All LondonHistoric rail estate to transfer to Great British Railways
Responsibility for the UK’s Historical Railways Estate (HRE) will move from National Highways to Great British Railways (GBR). The transfer aims to end a highway safety-first management approach that has led to demolition and infilling of structures.
All London3 min readTrust 40 · Craft 60 · Hype 20- Roads & Driving · All London
M25 drivers face weekend closures
Drivers using the M25 motorway over the Halloween weekend should prepare for significant overnight closures. National Highways has planned seven overnight disruptions between Friday, October 30, and Sunday, November 1, with further closures on Monday, November 2.
All London3 min readTrust 40 · Craft 60 · Hype 40 - Roads & Driving · All London
A2 drivers face weekend overnight closures
Drivers using the A2 in Kent this weekend face several overnight road closures. National Highways has announced planned closures affecting both directions between Friday, October 23, and Monday, October 26, with specific disruptions near Dartford and Whitfield.
All London2 min readTrust 30 · Craft 45 · Hype 20 - Roads & Driving · Heathrow
M25 Junction 15 Closed This Weekend for Heathrow Travellers
Drivers heading to Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 face an M25 anticlockwise closure at junction 15 this weekend. The closure runs from Saturday evening to Sunday morning, impacting journeys and coinciding with the end of British Summer Time.
Heathrow3 min readTrust 40 · Craft 60 · Hype 40 - Roads & Driving · M25
A2 drivers face 12 overnight closures in October 2026
Drivers using the A2 will encounter 12 planned overnight road closures between Monday, October 19, and Thursday, October 22, 2026. National Highways is undertaking maintenance works, with restrictions affecting both directions of the road near Cobham, Whitfield, and on the A256 in Kent.
M252 min readTrust 42 · Craft 57 · Hype 41 - Roads & Driving · M25
M25 faces 31 overnight closures next week
Motorists using the M25 between Monday, October 19, and Thursday, October 22, should prepare for 31 planned overnight closures. National Highways will carry out maintenance and improvement works, affecting various sections of the motorway from 10pm to 5:30am.
M253 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 20 
Roads & Driving · Central LondonA40, M25, Waterloo Bridge closures this weekend
Drivers across London should prepare for significant travel disruption this weekend. Key routes including the A40 Westway and M25 junction 15 will see closures, alongside partial closures on Waterloo Bridge and central London streets.
Central London3 min readTrust 30 · Craft 45 · Hype 41- Roads & Driving · M25
M25 Closures Planned for October 2026
National Highways has announced a series of overnight closures on the M25 motorway between Thursday, October 15, and Sunday, October 18, 2026. The planned works include carriageway and slip road restrictions, with a significant overnight closure of the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge affecting southbound traffic.
M253 min readTrust 42 · Craft 61 · Hype 41 - Roads & Driving · M25
M25 Motorway Faces 29 Overnight Closures This Week
Motorists using the M25 motorway should prepare for 29 overnight closures scheduled between Monday, October 12, and Thursday, October 15. The closures, affecting both clockwise and anti-clockwise lanes, will start at 10pm and end at 5.30am.
M253 min readTrust 30 · Craft 45 · Hype 40 - World
A2 drivers face five overnight closures this weekend
Drivers using the A2 route face significant overnight disruption this weekend with five closures planned. National Highways has issued warnings for drivers to check for updates and plan their journeys accordingly.
2 min readTrust 40 · Craft 45 · Hype 40 - Roads & Driving · M25
Dartford Crossing: Two Tunnels, One Bridge Reflect Decades of Expansion
The Dartford Crossing on the M25 features two tunnels for northbound traffic and the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge for southbound. This arrangement evolved over almost three decades in response to increasing vehicle volumes.
M254 min readTrust 30 · Craft 57 · Hype 10 
Roads & Driving · M25M25 crash causes 45‑minute delays for commuters between J16 and J17
A collision on the M25 clockwise carriageway near Gerrards Cross closed two of four lanes between junctions 16 and 17 on Tuesday morning. Delays of about 45 minutes were reported at 8 am, with queues stretching back to Heathrow and spill‑over effects on the M40.
M253 min readTrust 30 · Craft 57 · Hype 65
Roads & Driving · East LondonA2 and M25 drivers face four nights of closures
Drivers travelling between south-east London and Kent, and those using the M25, should prepare for significant overnight disruption. Four consecutive nights of closures are planned on both the A2 and the M25 from October 5 to October 9, affecting multiple junctions and slip roads.
East London3 min readTrust 30 · Craft 45 · Hype 41
Tube & Rail · LondonM25, Overground, Trams Face Weekend Closures
Motorists and public transport users in London are advised of significant disruption from Thursday, October 1 to Thursday, October 8. Planned maintenance will lead to overnight M25 closures, reduced London Overground services, and suspended tram and DLR routes.
London3 min readTrust 40 · Craft 60 · Hype 40
Roads & Driving · East LondonA2 closures planned for three nights from September 28
Drivers travelling between south-east London and Kent face overnight disruption on the A2. National Highways has scheduled closures on three consecutive nights from September 28 to October 1 between Dartford Heath and Darenth Interchange.
East London3 min readTrust 40 · Craft 55 · Hype 45- Roads & Driving · M25
M25 Motorway Faces Overnight Closures for Four Nights
Drivers using the M25 should prepare for four consecutive nights of disruption due to planned overnight closures. Sections of the motorway and several slip roads will be shut between Monday, September 28, and Friday, October 2, affecting numerous junctions.
M253 min readTrust 30 · Craft 57 · Hype 41 - Roads & Driving · London
M25 motorway technically ends at Dartford Crossing
Drivers travelling on the M25 motorway will find the road designation changes to the A282 at the Dartford Crossing. This is because the crossing predates the motorway's completion, meaning it does not hold full motorway status.
London3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 65 · Hype 20 - Roads & Driving · M25
M25 and A12 closed overnight until October 1 for repairs
Overnight closures are in effect on parts of the M25 and A12 between Romford and Brentwood until October 1. The works involve carriageway reconstruction and repair, with diversions planned via local roads.
M253 min readTrust 40 · Craft 55 · Hype 45 - Roads & Driving · M25
M25 Gridlock: Three Crashes Cause 90-Minute Delays
Three separate multi-vehicle accidents brought significant disruption to the M25 on the afternoon of September 20, 2026. The incidents, occurring between junctions 5 and 13, resulted in delays of up to 90 minutes and six miles of queuing traffic.
M253 min readTrust 30 · Craft 57 · Hype 45 
Roads & Driving · All LondonDrivers ignoring roadworks put lives at risk, National Highways warns
National Highways has issued a stark warning about drivers deliberately entering roadwork closures to avoid queues. Hundreds of such incidents have been recorded this year, with drivers putting road workers and themselves at risk.
All London3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 68 · Hype 40- Roads & Driving · M25
M25 and QEII Bridge face weekend overnight closures
Drivers using the M25 motorway and the QEII Bridge at Dartford should prepare for significant overnight disruptions this coming weekend. Several sections of the motorway will be closed for planned works, including a full overnight closure of the QEII Bridge.
M253 min readTrust 36 · Craft 70 · Hype 15 - Roads & Driving · London
Lower Thames Crossing uses Europe's largest tunnel boring machine
Construction is underway for the Lower Thames Crossing, featuring Europe's largest tunnel boring machine. The £11bn project aims to enhance connectivity across the South East, double road capacity east of London, and alleviate congestion at the Dartford Crossing.
London5 min readTrust 44 · Craft 67 · Hype 45 
Roads & Driving · M25Engineers Criticise National Highways' Drainage Design Rules
Engineers from nine companies have criticised National Highways' rules for designing road drainage, citing inaccuracies in the Design Palette and insufficient guidance for effective swales. The Road Runoff Group warns these issues could impact water quality and flood risk mitigation.
M254 min readTrust 44 · Craft 67 · Hype 20- Roads & Driving · London
A2 and M25 face overnight closures September 14-17
Drivers using the A2 and M25 motorways should prepare for overnight closures between September 14 and September 17. National Highways has announced planned roadworks affecting both eastbound and westbound routes, including slip roads, with disruptions expected between 8pm/10pm and 5.30am/6am.
London3 min readTrust 40 · Craft 55 · Hype 45 
Roads & Driving · M25M25 Lane Closed After Car Fire Near Chertsey
A car fire on the M25 in Surrey has led to traffic delays and the closure of one lane. The incident occurred near Chertsey, causing significant congestion.
M251 min readTrust 30 · Craft 45 · Hype 65
Roads & Driving · HeathrowM25 traffic chaos hits Heathrow Airport due to broken-down car
A broken-down car on the M25 is causing substantial traffic delays, significantly impacting journeys to Heathrow Airport. The incident is affecting northbound traffic, leading to congestion.
Heathrow2 min readTrust 30 · Craft 45 · Hype 61
Roads & Driving · LondonA2 and M25 face overnight closures September 7-11
Drivers using the A2 and M25 motorways will encounter overnight closures on various slip roads and carriageways between September 7 and September 11. National Highways is carrying out planned works, with some closures starting as early as 8pm.
London3 min readTrust 40 · Craft 60 · Hype 20
Roads & Driving · M25Dartford Crossing tunnel reopens after crane breakdown and oil spill
The west tunnel at the Dartford Crossing has reopened following a breakdown and oil leak from a 50-tonne crane. Specialist teams cleared the spill, but drivers faced up to 60 minutes of delays.
M252 min readTrust 30 · Craft 57 · Hype 41
Roads & Driving · LondonM25 Motorway Faces Weekend Overnight Closures
Drivers using the M25 motorway around London face a series of overnight closures this weekend, from Friday, September 4, to Monday, September 7. Disruptions will affect multiple junctions and the QEII Bridge at the Dartford Crossing.
London2 min readTrust 30 · Craft 57 · Hype 41- World
M6 Thelwall Viaduct joint replacement work begins
Work has started on replacing bridge joints on the Thelwall Viaduct, carrying the M6 across the Manchester Ship Canal and River Mersey. The project, part of the government’s £27bn Road Investment Strategy 3, will see overnight lane closures and a 24/7 contraflow system implemented.
3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 71 · Hype 40 - World
A2 Roadworks: Overnight Closures Affect Dartford Heath to Danson Interchange
Drivers using the A2 are advised to prepare for significant overnight disruption this week due to planned roadworks. National Highways has announced 12 closures, including two full westbound carriageway closures between Dartford Heath and Danson Interchange, affecting travel from September 1 to September 4.
3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 35 
Roads & Driving · M25Amey contract with National Highways extended by one year
Amey has secured a one-year extension to its facilities management contract with National Highways. The agreement supports the safe and efficient operation of England's strategic road network.
M252 min readTrust 30 · Craft 45 · Hype 20
Roads & Driving · All LondonA2 Overnight Closures Planned Week of August 24
Drivers using the A2 should prepare for overnight roadworks and potential disruption during the week of August 24. National Highways has scheduled multiple slip road closures at key interchanges, affecting travel times.
All London3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 53 · Hype 41
Roads & Driving · M25M25 near Godstone closed after lorry breaks down and scatters debris
A broken-down lorry on the M25 near Godstone blocked three lanes and scattered debris for a mile on 21 August, National Highways confirmed. Emergency services attended the scene, and recovery teams worked through the morning to clear the carriageway.
M254 min readTrust 30 · Craft 30 · Hype 70
Roads & Driving · South LondonA2 closures: Overnight roadworks shut slip roads and carriageway 21-24 August
National Highways will close slip roads and a stretch of the A2 westbound for overnight resurfacing from 21 to 24 August. Drivers leaving south-east London face diversions between 8 pm and 6 am each night, with some closures starting earlier.
South London4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 30
Roads & Driving · M25M25 northbound lanes closed after lorry breakdown near London
Two lanes of the M25 northbound carriageway have been closed since 18 August 2026 after a lorry broke down. The incident, north of London, has caused delays for drivers, though the exact location remains unclear. No timeline has been given for reopening the lanes.
M254 min readTrust 30 · Craft 45 · Hype 65
Roads & Driving · South LondonA2 slip roads close overnight for resurfacing from 17 August
Drivers on the A2 in Bexley and Dartford face overnight closures from 17 to 21 August. National Highways will resurface slip roads and the link to the M25, with diversions in place between 8 pm and 6 am each night.
South London4 min readTrust 36 · Craft 70 · Hype 15
Roads & Driving · M25M25 overnight closures affect 14 junctions from 17 August
National Highways will close sections of the M25 between junctions 2 and 31 each night from 10 pm to 5.30 am, 17 to 21 August. Drivers face diversions on clockwise and anti-clockwise carriageways, slip roads and link roads across Barnet, Enfield and neighbouring boroughs.
M254 min readTrust 44 · Craft 60 · Hype 28
Roads & Driving · HeathrowM4 westbound closed after van crash spills wood and concrete near Heathrow
A van collision on the M4 westbound after Junction 5 near Heathrow Airport has spilled wood and concrete across two lanes, forcing their closure for emergency repairs. Traffic queues have built up for two miles, with delays expected to persist until clearance work is complete.
Heathrow3 min readTrust 48 · Craft 72 · Hype 30
Airports · HeathrowHeathrow fire closes M4 lanes near Colnbrook causing delays for commuters
A fire near Heathrow Airport forced the closure of two eastbound lanes on the M4 near Colnbrook on 12 September, causing severe traffic congestion. Firefighters from Buckinghamshire and Surrey responded, reopening the lanes by 16:30 after extinguishing the blaze.
Heathrow4 min readTrust 30 · Craft 37 · Hype 70
Roads & Driving · M25M25 crash closes two lanes near J10, delays stretch to Leatherhead
Two lanes of the M25 anticlockwise between J10 (A3) and J9 (Leatherhead) were closed after a crash involving a lorry and two cars at 07:42 on 12 September 2024. Recovery is under way; delays extend to Leatherhead and are expected to last several hours.
M254 min readTrust 30 · Craft 43 · Hype 30
Roads & Driving · South LondonDartford Crossing overnight closures begin 15 August 2026
National Highways will close the Dartford west tunnel from 10 pm on 15 August 2026 and the east tunnel from 10.30 pm on 16 August for overnight repairs. Vehicles over 4.8 metres will be barred from the east tunnel on Sunday. Further closures continue until 23 August.
South London4 min readTrust 44 · Craft 80 · Hype 15
Roads & Driving · M25M25 reopens at Leatherhead after 50-minute crash closure
The M25 clockwise carriageway reopened at Junction 9 Leatherhead after a 50-minute closure caused by a serious crash near Cobham Services. Delays continued back to Junction 8 at Reigate, while a stalled vehicle on the entry slip at Junction 13 Staines disrupted traffic heading to Heathrow Airport.
M254 min readTrust 30 · Craft 77 · Hype 12
Roads & Driving · M25M25 reopens after crash and breakdown cause delays near Cobham and Staines
The M25 reopened at Junction 9 after a 50-minute closure due to a serious crash near Cobham Services, while a stalled vehicle caused delays on the clockwise entry slip at Junction 13. Delays persisted back to Junction 8 at Reigate, affecting traffic heading to Heathrow.
M253 min readTrust 36 · Craft 67 · Hype 30
Roads & Driving · M25M25 Darenth slip road closed for emergency repairs, 45-minute delays
The A2 London-bound exit slip to the M25 anti-clockwise at Darenth Interchange has been closed since 5am for emergency repairs. Queues stretch back to Pepper Hill in Gravesend, while M25 clockwise drivers experience 45-minute delays between Leatherhead and Chertsey.
M253 min readTrust 36 · Craft 75 · Hype 15
Roads & Driving · M25M25 overnight closures this weekend force diversions at 11 junctions
The M25 will close in both directions at multiple junctions overnight this weekend for roadworks. Drivers face diversions on clockwise and anti-clockwise carriageways, slip roads and link roads from 11 pm on Friday 14 August until 5.30 am on Monday 17 August.
M254 min readTrust 54 · Craft 70 · Hype 15
Roads & Driving · M25M25 Dartford section closed after multi-vehicle crash
A three-lane closure on the M25 clockwise between junctions 2 and 3 near Dartford has caused delays of up to 90 minutes. National Highways confirmed the incident involved multiple vehicles and is expected to last until at least 18:00 today.
M254 min readTrust 30 · Craft 28 · Hype 70
Roads & Driving · M25M25 Dartford closure after lorry fire causes 12-mile queues
A lorry fire on the M25 near Dartford has closed both carriageways between junctions 2 and 3, creating 12-mile tailbacks. National Highways has diverted vehicles onto the A2 and local routes in Barnet, adding delays to morning commutes and school runs.
M254 min readTrust 30 · Craft 28 · Hype 70
Projects · LondonLondon transport deputy mayor to outline climate plans at Manchester conference
London’s deputy mayor for transport, Seb Dance, will address climate resilience at the Institution of Civil Engineers’ conference in Manchester. His speech will cover infrastructure changes needed for rising temperatures and their impact on residents and workers across the capital.
London5 min readTrust 48 · Craft 72 · Hype 15
Roads & Driving · M25M25 delays after van fire on M3 near junction 2
A van fire on the M3 near junction 2 caused heavy congestion on the M25 this morning. Fire crews attended the scene, and National Highways warned of delays for drivers heading towards the London orbital motorway.
M253 min readTrust 30 · Craft 37 · Hype 45
Roads & Driving · M25M25 crash in Holmesdale Tunnel shuts two lanes near Enfield
A collision between a lorry and a car inside Holmesdale Tunnel on the M25 near Enfield closed two lanes this morning, causing delays for drivers. National Highways confirmed the incident, which occurred shortly after 7:30 a.m. on 12 September 2024.
M253 min readTrust 30 · Craft 30 · Hype 30
Roads & Driving · M25M25 crash closes three lanes near Barnet, 90-minute delays for drivers
A collision on the M25 anticlockwise near Barnet has shut three lanes, causing delays of up to 90 minutes. National Highways is managing the scene, with recovery expected to continue into the evening. Drivers are advised to avoid the area or check traffic updates before travelling.
M254 min readTrust 30 · Craft 22 · Hype 70
Roads & Driving · M25M25 reopens after St Albans industrial fire forces closure
A fire at an industrial unit in Ventura Park, St Albans, led to the temporary closure of the M25 on 11 August 2026. Ten fire engines attended the scene, and nearby residents were advised to keep windows closed. The motorway has since reopened with reduced speed limits.
M254 min readTrust 66 · Craft 60 · Hype 30
Roads & Driving · M25M25 closed after fire creates explosion risk near South Mimms services
The M25 was shut in both directions on 11 August 2026 after a lorry fire at South Mimms services created an explosion risk. National Highways confirmed the closure and set up diversions while emergency services tackled the blaze.
M254 min readTrust 30 · Craft 22 · Hype 70- Roads & Driving · London
M25, M23 and M3 close overnight for roadworks affecting Barnet drivers
National Highways will close sections of the M25, M23 and M3 from 9 pm tonight for overnight roadworks. The A282 Dartford East Tunnel will also shut, affecting commuters travelling to Surrey, Kent, Sussex, Heathrow and Gatwick until 5.30 am.
London4 min readTrust 44 · Craft 70 · Hype 30 - World
A2 overnight closures begin 10 August: slip roads and link shut for resurfacing
The A2 westbound exit at Pepperhill closes from 8 pm on 10 August, followed by the A2-to-A282 link at Darenth Interchange from 10 pm. Marling Cross slip road shuts overnight on 13 August. All works finish by 6 am each morning.
4 min readTrust 44 · Craft 60 · Hype 25 
Roads & Driving · M25M25 overnight closures start 10 August between junctions 15 and 16
National Highways will close the M25 clockwise between junctions 15 and 16 from 10pm on 10 August, and anticlockwise between junctions 9 and 8 the following night. Drivers in Barnet and neighbouring boroughs should plan alternative routes during the overnight works.
M254 min readTrust 44 · Craft 70 · Hype 15