Major Delays as Lorry Collision Shuts M25 in Kent

The M25 motorway in Kent faced severe disruption on the morning of September 15, 2025, after a tipper lorry collided with a bridge, forcing a complete closure of the clockwise carriageway between Junction 3 (Swanley) and Junction 4 (Orpington). The incident, which occurred around 4:46 AM, has led to significant traffic congestion, affecting thousands of commuters during rush hour.

What Happened?

According to Kent Police and National Highways, the collision occurred when a tipper truck struck the Crockenhill Road bridge. The truck became wedged under the structure, requiring emergency services, including structural engineers, to attend the scene. The accident also caused a spillage of hydraulic fluid, which added to the complexity of the clean-up and recovery efforts. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.

A police spokesperson stated, “Officers were called at 4:46 AM to a report that a lorry had struck a bridge on the clockwise carriageway of the M25 between Junctions 3 and 4. Patrols attended the scene alongside Highways officers, and the carriageway was closed at Junction 3 to allow the recovery of the vehicle.”

Structural Concerns and Delays

One of the primary concerns following the collision is the structural integrity of the Crockenhill Road bridge. Specialist engineers were dispatched to assess the damage, and as of 9:30 AM, inspections were still ongoing. National Highways has not provided an estimated reopening time, citing the need for thorough safety evaluations before resuming traffic flow.

The spillage of hydraulic fluid also posed a significant challenge. Cleanup crews are working to remove the substance, but there is concern it may have caused damage to the motorway’s surface, potentially requiring additional repairs. “Re-opening depends on whether this can be cleared or if it has damaged the road,” a National Highways spokesperson said.

Traffic Chaos and Diversion Routes

The closure has led to extensive delays, with congestion stretching back to Junction 2 (Darenth Interchange). Drivers reported delays of up to 45 minutes, with traffic monitoring service Inrix describing the situation as “severe.” To mitigate the impact, National Highways has implemented a diversion route, marked by hollow triangle signs, to guide drivers around the affected section.

The diversion advises motorists to exit the M25 clockwise at Junction 3 (Swanley Interchange), take the A20 towards London, and follow the A224 back to the motorway at Junction 4. However, this alternative route has also seen heavy traffic as drivers attempt to navigate around the closure.

Wider Impact

The incident on the M25 comes amid other traffic challenges in the region. The M20, another major motorway in Kent, is also experiencing delays due to overrunning roadworks. Overnight maintenance revealed a damaged bridge joint between Junctions 7 (Maidstone) and 8 (Hollingbourne), necessitating emergency repairs. This has compounded the difficulties for drivers in the area, many of whom rely on these key routes for their daily commutes.

Adding to the complications, a yellow weather warning for wind was issued across England, increasing the risks for lorry drivers on exposed roads. The combination of poor weather conditions, road closures, and diversions has created a perfect storm of travel disruption in the southeast.

Advice for Drivers

National Highways has urged drivers to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journeys, and consider alternative routes where possible. “If this closure impacts your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead; you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey,” a spokesperson advised.

For those traveling on the M20, National Highways recommends following a separate diversion route marked by hollow circle symbols. This involves exiting at Junction 7, taking the A249 towards Bearsted Road, and rejoining the motorway at Junction 8 via the A20.

Local radio stations and traffic monitoring services continue to provide updates on the situation, helping drivers stay informed about the latest developments.

The collision on the M25 highlights the fragility of critical infrastructure and the cascading effects a single incident can have on regional mobility. With structural safety as a priority, the response underscores the importance of thorough inspections and coordinated recovery efforts to minimize disruption.