LONDON — A major stretch of the M25 has been thrown into chaos after a two-lorry crash brought down overhead power lines, forcing the motorway to shut in both directions between Junction 28 (Brentwood) and Junction 27 (M11). With engineers needing access across both carriageways to make the cables safe, drivers have been warned to expect long delays and significant knock-on congestion across Essex and routes feeding into east London.
National Highways said the collision happened on the anti-clockwise carriageway, but the impact on power infrastructure has meant the closure has extended across both directions while the scene is made safe. Traffic has been building rapidly on approach as lanes remain shut and emergency crews continue to manage the incident.
Power lines down forces full closure
The critical complication is the downed power line. Because the cables must be secured before recovery and clear-up can fully progress, engineers are required to work across both carriageways. That safety-first response is why the closure has been wider than many standard collision stoppages, and why there has been no firm reopening time given in the latest updates.
For drivers already caught in the queue, the guidance from emergency services has been clear: remain in your vehicle, follow official instructions, and avoid trying to improvise turnarounds on the motorway. For everyone else, the most realistic move is rerouting early and checking live status before committing to the M25 corridor.
Emergency crews on scene and motorists urged to avoid the area
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service confirmed crews were in attendance following a collision involving two lorries, working alongside Essex Police and National Highways to make the scene safe. Drivers were asked to stay in their vehicles while responders managed hazards linked to the crash and the damaged power infrastructure.
With the closure sitting at a crucial interchange area near the M11, even short local journeys can feel the ripple effects. Expect delays on surrounding feeder routes, plus extra pressure on diversion roads as drivers look for alternatives.
Where the closure is and why it matters
The blocked section between J28 and J27 is a key part of the London orbital network. It connects traffic heading toward Brentwood and the A12 corridor, and it also links to the M11 route used by motorists travelling toward north-east London, Essex, and beyond. When this segment locks up, congestion can spread quickly to nearby junctions as traffic stacks back and slip roads struggle to clear.
If you need the most reliable official incident status and clearance updates, use the live feed on National Highways Traffic England, which posts current closures, delays and traffic officer updates as conditions change.
No confirmed reopening time yet
As of the latest official messaging, there has been no confirmed estimate for when the motorway will reopen. The priority remains making the power cables safe before reopening lanes. That typically means the situation can move in phases — first the safety work, then vehicle recovery, then debris clearance and inspections — with reopening only possible once the area is confirmed safe for live traffic.
For travel planning, assume disruption could extend well into the afternoon, particularly if recovery operations require heavy lifting, barrier repair, or further inspections near the affected roadside infrastructure. If your journey is time-sensitive, the safest plan is to avoid the area entirely rather than relying on a quick clearance.
Wider London travel disruption adds to commuter pressure
The motorway shutdown lands on a day when rail disruption has also unsettled travel plans. Earlier updates reported issues affecting services connected to Gatwick Airport after an obstruction was struck on the line in the Salfords area, leading to delays and cancellations for passengers travelling to and from the airport corridor. With road and rail under strain at the same time, alternative routes may also be busier than usual.
Across the capital, Transport for London line status has been shifting through the morning. While some lines returned to good service, periods of severe or minor delays were reported elsewhere earlier, with ticket acceptance arranged on reasonable routes during disruption. The combined effect has been a familiar London pattern: road congestion intensifies when rail reliability dips, and vice versa.
What drivers should do right now
Plan as if the closure will last. If you can delay travel, do it. If you cannot, reroute early rather than joining the tailback. For drivers already in congestion, stay alert for emergency instructions and avoid leaving your vehicle unless directed. Keep an eye on official updates, because reopening can happen suddenly once engineers complete safety checks — but just as often, complex recoveries can stretch longer than initial expectations.
For commuters, airport passengers, and anyone crossing the M11–Brentwood corridor today, this is the kind of incident where the smartest time-saver is choosing a different plan before you reach the queues.
You May Also Like
Canada-Mexico Flight Cancellations Add to March Break Travel Disruption
