M25 traffic: Drivers face miles of congestion as 'infrastructure defects' require 'immediate repairs'

Motorists are being warned of severe delays of around 90 minutes on the M25 due to an "infrastructure defect".

Drivers are dealing with severe delays on the M25 in Essex/Hertfordshire anti-clockwise between J29 (Romford/Basildon) and J27 (M11 J6/Epping).

National Highways reported that this was due to an "infrastructure defect" that was identified during an overnight roadworks closure.

While the M25 anticlockwise has reopened between J27 and J25 following overnight resurfacing works, the operation overran, leading to delays.

The main carriageway has reopened, although lane closures remain in place to protect areas where further work is still required.

Drivers are currently facing delays of around 90 minutes above usual journey times and nine miles of congestion between J29 and J27.

Resurfacing work was taking place overnight on the M25 anticlockwise between J27 and J25, according to National Highways.

This initially required a full closure to allow the work to be completed safely, with estimates suggesting that it could reopen in the early hours of this morning.

The transport organisation stated: "During the course of the works, infrastructure defects were identified and assessed to require immediate repairs prior to reopening to traffic."

It reiterated that the main carriageway had been reopened as soon as it was safe to do so, in addition to the M11 northbound link road to the M25.

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Road closures will remain in place between J26 and J25, with lanes one and two remaining closed.

The M11 southbound link road at Junction 6 to the M25 anticlockwise at J27 also remains closed, but is expected to be reopened soon.

National Highways said it was working with supply-chain partners to "mobilise specialist crews, materials and equipment".

It is aiming to carry out these works at short notice "t short notice", ensuring the road can be safely returned to service as quickly as possible.

It warned: "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."