A2 Kent lorry fire live as blaze closes busy road as huge queues reported
A major link road has been closed in one direction in an update that spells woe for motorists across the region
A major road has been closed to traffic after a lorry fire on Thursday morning, National Highways has confirmed.
The blaze has resulted in the closure of the A2, a major link road near Dartford in Kent, on Thursday, February 18.
A spokesperson for the English highway authority confirmed the A2 is now shut to westbound commuters between B255 (Bean) and the M25/A282 (Darenth).
Diversion details to follow, the spokesperson added.
The closure comes right as rush hour is poised to begin, with traffic in the surrounding areas of Dartford already in the red as congestion begins to build.
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This is an ongoing incident. Keep across the latest here with our live blog below.
One lane open for London-bound traffic as A2 turns into parking lot
National Highways have managed to open one lane of the A2 for westbound commuters, with three of four lanes shut on the link road between the B255 at Bean) and the M25/A282 at Darenth in Kent.
A spokesperson for National Highways said: “Lanes one, two, and three closed [on the A2]. Delays are exceeding 30 minutes above normal journey times.”
Motorists should steer clear of the area if possible. If not, leave earlier if you can and be prepared for congestion in the surrounding areas of Dartford and broader Kent.
Google Traffic gives grim update
According to Google Traffic maps, the estimated reopening time for this road closure is 11.30am. So, well beyond rush hour
Of course, these times are subject to change as this is an ongoing emergency event. Still, it doesn’t bode well for your Thursday commute if you need to use the A2 or any roads nearby.
A2 closure sparks chaos on A2
Thursday morning has already descended into traffic chaos on the A2, with a lorry on fire on the motorway, As a result, westbound lanes of the arterial road are closed and traffic is already a nice shade of congestion red as per traffic maps.
A spokesperson for the English highway authority confirmed the westbound lanes of the A2 is now closed to westbound commuters between B255 (Bean) and the M25/A282 (Darenth).
As the A2 acts as a link road to London, and it now officially being rush hour, traffic has backed up significantly.
Diversion routes are incoming from National Highways, a spokesperson confirmed.
