A2 traffic: Lorry fire closes 3 lanes with 6 miles of congestion and 90-minute delays

Recovery operations have now been completed. Damage assessments and clean up are underway, National Highways said.

There are delays of 45 minutes above normal journey times and five miles of congestion, it also added.

There are still severe delays of 90 minutes above normal travel times and 6 miles of congestion on approach, National Highways said.

"If this impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey," the traffic authority also said.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: "Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called to reports of a lorry alight on the A2 London-bound near Bean, Dartford.

"Control operators sent five fire engines and a bulk water carrier to the scene, where firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the blaze using main jets.

"The technical rescue unit also attended and used a telehandler to remove and cool the contents of the vehicle.

"No injuries have been reported, and the cause is unknown.

"People travelling towards the area are advised to expect delays and to check for traffic updates."

Recovery services are also in attendance. "The contents of the HGV is having to be unloaded before the vehicle can be recovered. There is a possibility the contents may re-ignite whilst being unloaded," National Highways said in an update.

Motorists are being warned of six miles of congestion on approach. 

Here is the latest update about the closure from National Highways. 

Kent Fire and Rescue Service are currently in attendance. 

The Daily Express has contacted the service for comment.

Here is a photo showing traffic on the A2. Motorists are being warned of delays of more than 90 minutes above the normal journey time.

Three lanes are currently closed westbound. Lane 4 is open, National Highways said.

There are long delays and congestion on the A2 this morning after a lorry fire in Kent near Bean and Darenth.