A police incident has closed the M25 in both directions between Junction 21a (Bricket Wood Interchange) and Junction 22 (The Bell Interchange) near St Albans, causing miles of congestion in the early hours. Hertfordshire Police are at the scene, and the road's reopening time remains unknown due to the nature of the incident.
Motorway shut between key junctions
The closure affects the stretch serving the A405 at Bricket Wood and the A1081 at The Bell, a key route for traffic heading to and from London's northwest and the M1. Traffic cameras show long queues building on the motorway as drivers face standstill conditions.
Hertfordshire Police have not provided a timeline for when the road might reopen, citing the ongoing incident. Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes and expect significant delays.
Impact on early morning commuters
The closure comes during the early hours, but the queues are already extensive, with traffic cameras capturing miles of stationary vehicles. The M25 is one of the busiest motorways in the UK, and a full closure in both directions is likely to cause disruption for commuters and freight traffic.
Local roads around St Albans, including the A405 and A1081, are expected to see increased traffic as drivers divert from the motorway. Authorities have not yet issued a formal diversion route.
Updates to follow
This is a live news story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available from Hertfordshire Police and traffic authorities. Drivers are urged to check live traffic reports before setting out.
