A fire involving a lorry on the A2 has caused significant travel disruption, leading to extensive traffic jams and lengthy delays for motorists. Reports indicate that multiple lanes were closed on the busy road, resulting in miles of congestion and extended journey times.
Event Summary
On the morning of August 5, 2023, a lorry caught fire on the A2 in Kent, England. The incident occurred on the westbound carriageway between the junctions with the A2260 (for Ebbsfleet) and the M25 (J2 for Darenth Interchange). This led to the closure of at least three out of four lanes.
Timeline of Events and Impact
National Highways first reported the fire at approximately 05:00 GMT. By the time of reporting, motorists were facing:
Delays exceeding 90 minutes above normal journey times.
Six miles of congestion.
In some accounts, delays were reported as up to two hours.
The fire's location was identified as the A2 London-bound between B255 Bean Lane and M25 J2 for Darenth Interchange. Congestion was reported to be building as far back as Henhurst.
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Kent Police confirmed their officers attended the scene to assist the fire service and highways officers.
Affected Areas and Duration
The primary impact was on the A2 westbound carriageway. However, one report from August 5, 2023, mentioned the A2 being closed in both directions due to a lorry fire on Jubilee Way. Recovery work was noted as continuing in that instance. Another report from October 23, 2025, described the A2 closed eastbound from Gravesend to the M2 link near Rochester, with diversions in place.
An incident on January 8, 2024, involved a milk lorry fire that partially closed the A2 coastbound between the M25/A282 near Dartford and the B255 past Bluewater. While vehicles behind the closure on the London-bound carriageway were released, a closure remained for coastbound traffic. This resulted in approximately 1.5 miles of congestion and 50-minute delays.
Official Statements and Data
National Highways have confirmed motorists face huge delays. Delays in excess of 90 minutes above normal journey times & 6 miles of congestion.
National Highways traffic information says. There are currently delays of two hours against expected traffic.
National Highways first reported the fire at approximately 05:00 GMT on the westbound carriageway between the junctions with the A2260, for Ebbsfleet, and the M25.
Traffic monitoring specialist Inrix reported congestion building all the way to Henhurst. In the case of the January 8, 2024 incident, Inrix stated there was approximately 1.5 miles of congestion on approach to the closure with 50-minute delays.
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Analysis of Road Conditions
The data points to a consistent pattern of significant traffic disruption following lorry fires on the A2. The primary issues are:
Lane Closures: The closure of multiple lanes is a direct cause of congestion. For instance, three out of four lanes were reported closed on August 5, 2023.
Congestion Build-up: Traffic monitoring services consistently report miles of congestion extending from the incident site.
Extended Journey Times: The reported delays of 90 minutes to two hours indicate a substantial impact on travel plans.
Comparison of Incidents
| Date | Location Details | Lanes Closed | Reported Delays | Reported Congestion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 5, 2023 | A2 westbound between A2260 (Ebbsfleet) & M25 (J2) | 3 out of 4 | 90 mins to 2 hours | 6 miles |
| Aug 5, 2023 | A2 Jubilee Way coastbound (reported) | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| Oct 23, 2025 | A2 eastbound from Gravesend to M2 link | Not specified | Expected closure for several hours | Not specified |
| Jan 8, 2024 | A2 coastbound between M25/A282 & B255 (near Dartford/Bluewater) | Partially closed | 50 minutes | 1.5 miles |
Expert Commentary
While no direct expert commentary on the specific incidents was provided in the source material, traffic management agencies like National Highways and private sector firms like Inrix serve as authorities on traffic flow and delay analysis. Their reports focus on quantifiable metrics: delay times, congestion length, and lane status, providing an objective assessment of the event's impact.
Conclusion and Implications
The consistent reports of severe traffic disruption due to lorry fires on the A2 highlight the road's importance as a major artery and its vulnerability to such incidents. The closure of multiple lanes, combined with the time required for emergency response and recovery, leads to significant and prolonged delays for thousands of commuters and travelers. The recurring nature of these events suggests a need for continued monitoring and preparedness for disruptions on this route. Future disruptions of this nature are likely to have a similar detrimental effect on traffic flow and journey times.
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Primary Sources Used
Mirror.co.uk - Major UK road closed as lorry bursts into flames - with 90-minute delays (Published 1 hour ago)
KentOnline.co.uk - Motorists face six-mile-long delays on A2 due to lorry fire (Published 1 hour ago)
BBC.co.uk - Long delays on A2 in north Kent due to lorry fire (Published 8 hours ago)
Mirror.co.uk - Live A2 Traffic Reports. Avoid Today's Closures and A2 Roadworks (Published Oct 23, 2025 - Note: Date may be a typo in original source, context suggests current reporting)
KentOnline.co.uk - Motorists ‘stuck for hours’ as milk lorry fire partially closes A2 (Published Jan 8, 2024)
