SURREY – Commuter chaos erupted on the M25 during Thursday morning's rush hour after a heavy goods vehicle collided with a bridge, forcing the complete closure of the anticlockwise carriageway and triggering massive tailbacks.
The major incident, which occurred between junctions 10 and 11 for the A3 and Chertsey, has brought one of the UK's busiest motorways to a grinding halt. Emergency services, including Highways England officers, are currently on the scene assessing the structural integrity of the bridge and managing the clean-up operation.
Travel Chaos for Thousands of Motorists
Drivers are facing severe disruptions with traffic queues already stretching over five miles. National Highways has issued a severe delay warning, advising motorists to avoid the area entirely and seek alternative routes. There is currently no estimated time for reopening the carriageway.
Early-morning travellers reported coming to a complete standstill, with some abandoning their journeys altogether. The clockwise carriageway remains open but is experiencing significant congestion due to rubbernecking.
Bridge Strike Incidents on the Rise
This latest incident highlights the ongoing issue of bridge strikes on the UK's road network, often caused by lorries ignoring height restrictions. These collisions frequently cause major travel disruption and costly damage to infrastructure.
Drivers are urged to check the latest traffic updates from National Highways before embarking on their journeys. Those already caught in the queues are advised to remain patient and keep updated via local traffic news.
