The M25 is closed in both directions between Junction 22 (St Albans) and Junction 21A due to a nearby commercial fire, with authorities warning of a risk of "secondary explosions" affecting the carriageway. National Highways has implemented diversions and advised motorists to allow extra time for their journeys.
Fire at Ventura Park prompts precautionary closure
Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is attending a fire at a commercial property in Ventura Park, Old Parkbury Lane, Colney Street, St Albans. As a precaution, the motorway has been shut in both directions between J22 and J21A due to the potential for "secondary explosions, smoke and debris affecting the carriageway," according to National Highways.
The closure is causing significant congestion on the M25 and nearby roads, including the A405 North Orbital Road and the M1 Southbound. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and consider alternative routes, as emergency services remain on scene.
Diversion routes for anti-clockwise and clockwise traffic
National Highways has set out specific diversions for both directions. For anti-clockwise travellers, the Hollow Square diversion symbol should be followed: from M25 J22 exit slip roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the A1081 towards St. Albans; cross over the M25 to the next roundabout and take the 2nd exit onto the A1081 towards St. Albans; at the A1081/A414 London Colney roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto the A414 towards Hemel Hempstead; at the A414/A405/A5183/M10 J1 Park Street roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto the A405 towards Watford; follow the A405 to the M25 J21a roundabout, take the 3rd exit to re-join the M25 towards Heathrow.
For clockwise traffic, the diversion is: from M25 Junction 21a exit slip roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the A405 towards St. Albans; at the A405/M10 Park Street Roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the A414 towards Hatfield; at the A414/A1081 London Colney Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto the A1081 towards M25; at the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto the slip road to rejoin the M25 towards Harlow at Junction 22.
Local residents advised to keep windows closed
Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has advised locals to keep doors and windows closed and to avoid the area as emergency service crews "carry out their work." The fire at the commercial premises in Ventura Park has led to the closure as a precautionary measure, with the risk of secondary explosions, debris, and smoke impacting the carriageway.
National Highways continues to monitor the situation and has reiterated that motorists should allow extra time for their journeys and consider alternative routes while the closure remains in effect.
