M25 chaos: Drivers warned to expect delays as major motorway operating at 11mph following ‘serious’ collision
Drivers have been warned of major disruption on the M25 today following a serious collision between Junction 3 and Junction 4.
Due to the collision, the clockwise carriageway has been closed between Swanley (M20) and Orpington, while emergency services attend the scene.
National Highways has warned motorists to expect significant delays, with the closure likely to remain in place into the afternoon.
The closure affects a key section of London’s orbital motorway, and drivers are being urged to plan alternative routes.
Traffic is being diverted via local roads, with a signed diversion route in place. Emergency services, including Kent Police, are currently at the scene working to manage the incident.
Motorists are advised to follow the hollow triangle diversion symbols along a designated route to bypass the closure.
The diversion takes drivers off the M25 at Junction 3 Swanley Interchange, directing them to take the fifth exit onto the A20 towards London.
Drivers should continue to Crittal’s Corner roundabout, taking the first exit onto the A224 towards Orpington.
At the A224/M25 Link Hewitts Roundabout, motorists should take the first exit onto the M25 link road.
The final step involves taking the second exit at Junction 4 roundabout to rejoin the M25 clockwise towards Gatwick. National Highways advises drivers to allow extra journey time and consider delaying their travel if possible.
National Highways Traffic Officers are also present, assisting with traffic management operations.
Drivers caught in or approaching the closure have been advised to contact National Highways’ 24/7 contact centre on 0300 123 5000 for the latest updates.
For real-time traffic information, motorists can check the Traffic England website or follow National Highways’ regional X feed.
National Highways shared on X: “Emergency services are on scene. It’s likely the closure will be in place for some time.”
A Kent Police spokesperson told GB News: “Kent Police was called at 9.45am on 18 December, following a collision involving a pedestrian on the clockwise M25 near junction 4.
“Officers are in attendance, along with other emergency services, and the road is expected to remain closed for several hours.”
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National Highways shared that it hopes to be able to release traffic past the scene of the incident in “lane 3 soon instead of turning from the back of the queue.”