M25 traffic live: Motorway chaos with 11 miles of queues and 90 minute delays

Severe traffic congestion has gripped the M25 motorway in Essex following emergency road surface repairs that led to the closure of two out of three lanes at junction 27. The disruption has caused extensive delays, with motorists facing over 90 minutes of waiting time as they attempt to navigate the heavily backed-up stretch of road. The situation has prompted authorities to urge drivers to consider delaying their travel plans or exploring alternative routes to avoid the gridlock.

The lane closures were initially implemented around 8pm the previous evening at the intersection of the M25 and M11. According to National Highways, the decision was made due to an identified infrastructure defect requiring immediate attention. Contractors worked throughout the night to carry out necessary repairs. However, upon inspecting the area early this morning, additional defects were uncovered, necessitating further work and keeping the lanes closed beyond the initial timeframe.

Currently, the impact of the closures extends far beyond the immediate vicinity of the junction. Drivers attempting to traverse the M25 anti-clockwise in Essex are encountering an 11-mile stretch of congestion leading up to the point where the lanes are blocked. National Highways has confirmed that the link road connecting the M11 southbound to the M25 anti-clockwise at junction 27 remains closed as part of the ongoing repairs. As a result, traffic movement in this section of the motorway is effectively halted, with no clear indication of when normal flow might resume.

National Highways issued a detailed statement outlining the current status of the situation. It emphasized that the extended delays are due to both the initial need for urgent repairs and the discovery of new issues during the course of the work. The agency advised travelers who rely on this route to factor in additional travel time and consider rerouting or postponing non-essential trips. Despite efforts to provide updates, the lack of a definitive timeline for the completion of repairs continues to create uncertainty among affected commuters.

The location of the closures is clearly marked at junction 27 on the M25, with visual representations available to help drivers understand the extent of the congestion. National Highways has actively communicated with the public through its official channels, including social media and website updates, to ensure that all relevant information reaches those planning to use the motorway. These measures aim to minimize the inconvenience faced by drivers while the necessary work is carried out.

Authorities are monitoring the progress of the repairs closely, with hopes that the situation will stabilize soon. Until then, the advice to drivers remains consistent: plan accordingly and be prepared for potential disruptions. The incident highlights the challenges associated with maintaining critical infrastructure and the importance of timely communication in managing unexpected roadworks that can significantly affect daily commutes.