Part of the M25 has been closed due to two separate lorry fires, National Highways has warned.
The motorway has been shut anti-clockwise between junction 28 and junction 26 while the emergency services attend to both fires, including Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.
A heavy goods vehicle caught fire at around 3am between junctions 27 and 26, and another lorry blaze shut the motorway in the same direction between junctions 28 and 27.
Specialist recovery is ongoing to recover the lorry alight between junctions 27 and 26 and its contents, as fire and rescue services lead the response with support from National Highways traffic officers.
The closure is expected to impact rush hour, and it is not yet known when the road will reopen, as a clean-up is underway.
The government agency warned of 72-minute delays on the approach to the junctions with five miles of congestion.
Bright orange flames and smoke could be seen coming from the lorry between junctions 27 and 26, according to pictures released by National Highways.
While typically a diversion would be set up at Gallows Corner, the route has been closed due to long-term roadworks. Instead, drivers looking to travel anti-clockwise between junction 28 and junction 26 have been asked to follow an alternative route.
Motorists must exit the M25 on the A12 eastbound at junction 28 and continue along the A12 eastbound towards junction 15. They must then exit the A12 at junction 15 onto the A414 northbound towards Chelmsford.
At the Widford roundabout, drivers can then take the first exit and continue on the A414 westbound. After continuing along the A414 westbound to junction 7 of the M11, they can take the first exit onto the M11 southbound. Afterwards, they can exit the M11 onto the A406 westbound and continue for approximately 6 miles to the junction with the A10.
Drivers can then rejoin the M25 at junction 25 by taking the A10 northbound.
National Highways has asked people to allow extra journey time, plan ahead, re-route or even delay their journeys. The agency’s 24/7 contact centre team is also available to provide up-to-the-minute information on 0300 123 5000.
