Commuters faced heavy traffic this morning as the A2 was closed in both directions near Dartford due to a lorry fire. The incident occurred on the eastbound carriageway, causing significant delays for drivers travelling between the M25/A282 and B255.

The lorry fire led to a complete standstill on the A2, with drivers unable to proceed in either direction as emergency crews worked to manage the situation. Kent Fire and Rescue Service responded to the incident, although specific details regarding the cause of the fire have yet to be released.

National Highways, the government agency responsible for the operation and management of England’s motorways and major roads, provided updates on the traffic situation. They reported a 2-mile congestion eastbound and a 4-mile queue westbound, urging motorists to allocate extra time for their journeys.

One eyewitness described seeing thick black plumes of smoke billowing overhead and noted the presence of fire engines rushing to the scene via the hard shoulder.

The closure of the A2 has undoubtedly disrupted travel plans for many, and commuters are encouraged to seek alternative routes if possible. The duration of the closure remains uncertain, and efforts to clear the scene and reopen the road are ongoing.

Please exercise caution and patience while navigating the affected area, and consider the impact on your travel plans if you intend to use the A2 near Dartford in the coming hours. Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available

A Spokesman for KFRS said: Kent Fire and Rescue Service is responding to a lorry fire on the A2 coast-bound, between Dartford and Bean. 

Three fire engines and a bulk water carrier are at the scene, where crews wearing breathing apparatus are using hose reel jets to extinguish the fire. 

No injuries have been reported. 

An update has been issued by National Highways:

The A2 in Kent is closed eastbound between the M25 (near Darenth) and B255 (near Bean) due to a lorry fire. There is also a diesel spillage across the carriageway. Recovery of the vehicle is also likely to be protracted so the closure is likely to be in place for some time. 

Diversion Route

Eastbound

Road users are advised to follow the solid circle diversion symbol on road signs

• Exit the A2 eastbound at the Darenth interchange and enter the A282 northbound carriageway, towards Dartford
• Exit the A282 at J1A
• At the first roundabout take the third exit onto the A206 eastbound towards the second roundabout and then keep left to take the “fast slip”, towards Bluewater
• Remain on the A206 for approximately 2 miles to the junction with the B255 
• At the roundabout with the B255 take the second exit onto the B255 southbound, towards Bean
• Travel along the B255 and exit at the junction with the A296
• At the next roundabout keep left to take the fast slip onto the A296 eastbound, towards Dover and rejoin the A2 eastbound

If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey. 

Further information is available from National Highways by visiting our www.trafficengland.com website and travel apps, or via our regional twitte