The M25 is facing severe delays in Essex this morning (June 26) following a crash between four vehicles which has closed a section of the road. The road is currently closed between J25 Waltham Cross, Enfield and J27 Epping, M11. National Highways are describing it as a "serious collision".
There is also congestion to a mile before J25 A10 Enfield, and from onlookers anticlockwise halfway back to J28 A12 Brentwood. Traffic monitoring site, Inrix first reporter the collision at around 5.30am this morning.
Traffic is being advised to exit at J25 and follow a diversion route which has been put in place by National Highways.
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Essex Police have confirmed that one person has sustained serious injuries, although these are not thought to be life-threatening.
EssexLive have contacted the emergency services for more information.
We will be bringing you live updates in the blog below.
All lanes reopened
The lanes have reopened following the collision earlier today. There are some delays still though.
Delays continue on M25
There appears to have been very little improvement on the M25 following the earlier collision.
There are long delays on approach with 45 min delays clockwise above normal travel time. There are also 30 min delays anti-clockwise as traffic moves slowly past the scene.
Reminder of M25 diversion route due to lorry crash
Road users are advised to follow the hollow triangle diversion symbol on road signs:
- Exit at J25 and at the roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the A10 towards London.
- Follow the A10 to “Great Cambridge Junction” and take the 1st exit onto the A406 “North Circular Road” towards the M11, Walthamstow and Edmonton.
- At M11 J4 keep in the middle lane and then take the link road onto the M11 towards Cambridge.
- Take the exit at M11 J6, M25 J27 and bear right to re-join the M25 clockwise.
Vehicle recovery 'is complex and likely to be protracted' - Highways
National Highways say the M25 remains closed between J25 and J27 at Epping after a serious collision.
M25 diversion route after serious collision near Epping
There are long delays on the M25 near Epping due to a serious collision on the clockwise carriageway.
National Highways say there are delays on approach with 60 min delays clockwise above normal travel time. There are also 60 min delays anti-clockwise as traffic moves slowly past the scene.
Motorists are currently being taken on a diversion route via the A10 and M11 to avoid the collision. You can read the full route by clicking here.
Has anyone been injured in the M25 Enfield crash?
One person has been hospitalised with serious injuries after a collision on the M25 involving two lorries.
We are waiting for more information from East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST).
The road closure remains in place whilst enquiries continue.
What has happened on the M25 near Enfield and Brentwood?
The M25 clockwise is closed from J25 A10 (Enfield) to J27 for the M11 due to a serious accident involving two lorries.
There are severe delays with a 12 mile queue and congestion to Potters Bar (J24).
The M25 has been closed at J26 for Waltham Abbey since 5:30am and then from J25 just before 7:30am.
Essex Police say a person has been hospitalised with serious injuries. The road closure will remain in place whilst enquiries continue.
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Good morning. I'm Matt Lee and I'm taking over this live blog from my colleague. I'll provide live updates as often as I can.
Four vehicles involved and one person taken to hospital
In a statement, police have confirmed that four vehicles have been involved and that one person has sustained serious injuries. They have advised that the road will remain closed whilst the scene is cleared.
Essex Police said: “We were called to a collision involving four vehicles on the M25 at junction 26 clockwise, shortly after 5.30am this morning (Wednesday 26 June). Officers attended alongside fire and ambulance service colleagues.
“One casualty has been taken on to hospital with serious injuries, not believed to be life-threatening. A road closure remains in place at the scene while this incident is cleared and enquiries continue.”
Traffic cams show long queues
Traffic cameras from the stretch of closed road show long queues as traffic waits to exit the motorway.
Diversion route in operation
National Highwaysh have issued details on a diversio route that is currently in operation. Road users should follow the hollow triangle diversion symbol.
- Exit at J25 and at the roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the A10 towards London.
- Follow the A10 to “Great Cambridge Junction” and take the 1st exit onto the A406 “North Circular Road” towards the M11, Walthamstow and Edmonton.
- At M11 J4 keep in the middle lane and then take the link road onto the M11 towards Cambridge.
- Take the exit at M11 J6, M25 J27 and bear right to re-join the M25 clockwise.
They said: "There are long delays on approach with 60 min delays clockwise above normal travel time. There are also 45 min delays anti-clockwise as traffic moves slowly past the scene.
"If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.
"Further information is available from National Highways by visiting our www.trafficengland.com website and travel apps, or via our regional twitter feed. Our 24/7 contact centre team is also available to provide up to the minute information on 0300 123 5000."
The area affected
The M25 is shut this morning between J25 Waltham Cross, Enfield and J27 Epping, M11 due to what National Highways are describing as a "serious collision". Motorists are being advised to avoid the area as delays of 60 minutes are expected.
Closure extended further
National Highways have just issued a tweet warning that the closure has been extended further and now includes J27.
Highways confirm road closed
Naional Highways have confirmed that the road is now closed between J25 and J26. They are advising people to avoid the area this morning.
