M25 closed in Kent after lorry strikes bridge, causing delays

A section of the M25 in Kent was closed early Monday after a lorry struck a bridge, bringing rush hour traffic to a standstill and prompting diversions as emergency services attended the scene. The clockwise carriageway between junction 3, Swanley, and junction 4, Orpington, was shut after the collision, with congestion building back to junction 2 at the Darenth Interchange, officials said.

Kent Police said they were called at 4.46am to reports that a lorry had struck a bridge on the clockwise carriageway between junctions 3 and 4. Patrols, Highways officers and National Highways Traffic Officers attended and the carriageway was closed at junction 3 to allow recovery of the vehicle. It was not immediately clear if anyone was injured.

National Highways confirmed the clockwise carriageway remained closed and warned motorists of long delays. A spokesman said emergency services, including Kent Police, were in attendance and that traffic officers were assisting with traffic management. A full diversion route has been put in place and drivers were advised to allow extra journey time, consider rerouting or delaying travel, and to seek further updates via the National Highways website,...