BEINSMARTSIDE UK Lorry fire forces M20 to shut with four-mile queues and delays of 45 minutes

Lorry fire forces M20 to shut with four-mile queues and delays of 45 minutes

September 8, 2025September 8, 2025 | .. | 0 Comment | 7:30 am
Lorry fire forces M20 to shut with four-mile queues and delays of 45 minutes post thumbnail image
A lorry fire has shut the M20 London-bound between Junction 3 (M26/Addington Interchange) and Junction 1 (M25/Swanley Interchange). Kent Fire & Rescue Service and National Highways are on scene. Drivers are being warned of long queues and to avoid the area if possible. What???s happening Full London-bound closure: J3 ??? J1 Delays: around 50 minutes on approach, according to National Highways Knock-on congestion: A2: about 10 miles (~40 mins) from the M2 Medway Viaduct past Gravesend A20: queues from Leybourne past Brands Hatch Diversion & advice Follow the signed diversion via the M26 and M25. Consider the M2/A2 or A21 corridors where suitable. Keep a lane clear for emergency vehicles and follow traffic-officer directions.
A lorry fire has shut the M20 London-bound between Junction 3 and Junction 1 (Picture: UKNIP)

London-bound drivers in Kent have been warned they face severe delays after a lorry fire left the M20 shut this morning.

The motorway’s westbound lanes were closed between Junction 3 for the M26 and Junction 1 for the M25 following the incident, which happened around 5.45am.

Traffic caught up in the closure began to be slowly released in lane 3 just under two hours later, while other traffic is being diverted via the M25 and M25.

Work to extinguish the fire continues at scene.
It’s not yet clear what caused the vehicle to catch fire (Picture: National Highways)

National Highways said drivers should still expect ‘long delays on approach to the closure.

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Delays were last estimated at around 45 minutes, with some 4 miles of congestion along the highway.

Traffic monitor INRIX has reported congestion as far back as Junction 4.

It also indicates delays of around 40 minutes on the A2 near Gravesend.

Firefighters were continuing to work at extinguishing the fire just before 7am.

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