A significant road in the United Kingdom had to be closed after a lorry caught fire, leading to extensive delays for drivers. The A2, a crucial route near Dartford in Kent, was shut down earlier today, with three lanes being inaccessible. National Highways advised of delays exceeding 90 minutes beyond the usual travel times and a six-mile backlog, urging commuters to allocate additional time for their journeys. The disruption is anticipated to persist for several more hours. Highways England projected that the A2 would not be fully operational until approximately 5 pm, with regular traffic flow anticipated to resume by 6 pm.
Highways England confirmed that the heavy goods vehicle had been successfully retrieved, and assessment of damages and cleanup operations were underway. Despite this progress, lanes one, two, and three remained closed, resulting in delays of 45 minutes and a five-mile congestion. Kent Fire and Rescue Service responded to reports of the lorry fire promptly, deploying multiple fire engines and a water carrier to extinguish the blaze. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains unknown. Travelers heading towards the affected area were advised to expect delays and stay updated on traffic conditions.
As recovery services continued their work, it was noted that three out of four lanes remained closed, causing delays of up to 90 minutes and a six-mile queue. National Highways traffic information indicated that the current delays were two hours longer than expected. Normal traffic conditions were not expected to resume until around 1 pm, with the situation likely to improve by noon. Kent Fire and Rescue Service teams swiftly responded to the incident, which was reported shortly before 5 am. A cautious approach was being taken during the unloading of items from the HGV to prevent potential reignition.
The lorry fire on the A2 has led to severe traffic congestion, with vehicles backed up for miles between B255 (Bean) and M25 J2 for Darenth Interchange. Motorists were advised to factor in extra travel time due to the closure of three lanes on the A2. Highways England confirmed the presence of significant delays, urging drivers to plan their journeys accordingly.
