A severe heavy goods vehicle (HGV) fire has forced the closure of the clockwise carriageway on the M25 between Junction 5 (near Sevenoaks) and Junction 6 (near Godstone/Caterham) in the Surrey/Kent area. The incident has caused significant traffic disruption, with emergency services from Surrey Police and Surrey Fire & Rescue attending the scene.
The anti-clockwise carriageway has reopened, but lanes 3 and 4 remain closed within Junction 6 as authorities work to manage the situation. The fire has also impacted the M26 westbound, which remains closed between Junction 2A near Wrotham Heath and the M25/A21 interchange.
According to National Highways, the clockwise section of the M25 is expected to remain closed until at least midday on October 21, as specialized recovery equipment is needed and resurfacing of the road may be required due to damage caused by the fire.
National Highways Traffic Officers are on-site assisting with traffic management, and all vehicles initially caught within the closure have now been released. Motorists are advised to follow diversion routes marked with the Hollow Triangle symbol.
Diversion Routes for Clockwise Travellers:
- From M25 Junction 5: Take the A21 and exit at the second A25 towards Westerham. Follow the A25 through Sundridge, Brasted, Limpsfield, and Oxted, continuing towards Godstone. At the A25/A22 roundabout, take the third exit onto the A22 and rejoin the M25 at Junction 6 (Godstone Interchange) towards Gatwick.
M26 Diversion:
- For those using the M26 westbound: Exit at Junction 2A, join the M20 at Junction 2, continue to Junction 1, and rejoin the M25 at Junction 3 heading clockwise. From there, follow the earlier diversion route from M25 Junction 5.
Motorists are advised to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journeys, and consider rerouting or delaying travel. Further updates will be provided as the recovery operation progresses.
