A major motorway crash involving multiple vehicles caused significant traffic delays for commuters earlier today. The incident occurred on the M25 anti-clockwise stretch between junction 17 for Rickmansworth and junction 16 for the M40 at the Denham Interchange in Hertfordshire. Initially, two out of the four lanes were closed but have since been reopened.
As of early afternoon, the delays have improved to approximately 15 minutes, as reported by National Highways. However, congestion persists at the entry slip of junction 19 on the M25 anti-clockwise.
Current reports indicate ongoing delays of around 15 minutes, with traffic conditions anticipated to normalize between 1pm and 1.15pm. The expected restoration of normal traffic flow has been delayed multiple times, with National Highways now projecting easing between 11.45am and 12pm.
National Highways provided an update stating that all lanes on the M25 anti-clockwise between junction 17 and junction 16 have been cleared following the multi-vehicle collision. Despite this, residual delays of about 90 minutes are still being experienced but are expected to lessen gradually.
The motorway agency previously mentioned that congestion was building up starting from junction 21 near Watford. The M25, popularly known as the London Orbital Motorway, encircles a significant portion of Greater London and is acknowledged as one of the busiest roadways in the UK.
While the third lane has been reopened, the fourth lane remains closed for recovery works post the accident. National Highways affirmed that delay times remain consistent, with delays of at least 90 minutes on approach, particularly from junction 21.
The specific location of the multi-vehicle crash on the M25 in Hertfordshire remains uncertain, causing disruptions between Junction 17 for Rickmansworth and junction 16 for the M40. National Highways emphasized the continued closure of lanes 3 and 4 due to the collision, with delays surpassing 90 minutes. Commuters are advised to allocate ample travel time to navigate through the affected stretch of the motorway.
National Highways provided updates, stating that lanes 3 and 4 remain closed on the M25 anti-clockwise between junction 17 and junction 16 due to the collision. Recovery operations are underway, but heavy delays exceeding an hour are still observed. Commuters are urged to plan their journeys accordingly to accommodate the extended travel times due to the ongoing situation.