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Road reopens after five-hour closure for lorry fire

National Highways The M26 seen from above with lorries and cars travelling on one side of the road and an empty carriageway on the other side. There are trees either side.National Highways
National Highways said a diversion had been in place around the closure

The eastbound M26 in Kent has reopened after a lorry fire caused it to close for about five hours.

National Highways said shortly after 15:00 GMT the carriageway had reopened, but there was 12 miles (19km) of congestion on the approach.

The road had been closed between the M25 junction five at Chipstead and junction two A near Wrotham Heath.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service confirmed four engines and a bulk water carrier had been deployed.

Traffic monitoring site Inrix said an earlier lane closure on the M25 was adding to queues.

Drivers are advised to allow extra journey time and to plan ahead.

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