The M25 in Essex will be closed “for at least eight hours” clockwise between Junction 27 for the M11 and Junction 28 for Brentwood, due to a serious collision.
All emergency services are attending the serious incident, including multiple crews of police, firefighters and paramedics. The road closure will be in place for a significant amount of time.
The road is expected to remain closed until at least 8:00am on Sunday morning, Christmas Eve.
Some motorists are reporting they have been stuck in the traffic for two hours already. One driver asked the Highways Agency: “It’s really cold and we have a young child with us. Are blankets and water going to be handed out? It’s freezing and there’s lots of young children stuck in this.”
An Essex Police spokesperson said: “This section of the road will be closed until further notice. Please avoid the area and if possible, please take alternative routes. We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your cooperation.”
National Highways Officers are also at the scene and are helping to deal with the incident, assisting with traffic management.
Traffic caught within the closed section of motorway is starting to be turned around from the rear of the queue. Electronic message signs above the closed section of motorway are instructing motorists and passengers to return to their vehicles.
The Highways Agency confirmed that the length of the road closure is necessary to allow for the police investigation to take place.
