Drivers are facing serious A2 traffic disruption in Kent this morning after a huge lorry fire forced the closure of three lanes and triggered long queues during the rush hour.
The incident happened on the A2 between the B255 at Bean and the M25/A282 at Darenth, with lanes 1, 2 and 3 shut while emergency services and recovery crews deal with the aftermath.
National Highways confirmed the fire has been extinguished, but warned the recovery process remains complicated and could take hours.
The closure has already caused delays of around 90 minutes above normal journey times, with traffic stretching back for around six miles.
What caused the A2 traffic delays in Kent this morning?
The disruption began after a heavy goods vehicle caught fire on the A2. The blaze sent crews rushing to the scene and brought traffic to a near standstill on one of Kent’s busiest commuter routes.
National Highways said Kent Fire and Rescue Service attended quickly and successfully put the fire out. However, the road remains partially closed due to ongoing safety concerns and vehicle recovery operations.
The A2 is a major route linking Kent towns to the M25 and London-bound traffic, so any incident on this stretch can cause immediate and widespread delays.
Where exactly is the A2 closed, and how long will it last?
The closure is in place on the A2 between Bean (B255) and the M25/A282 junction near Darenth, an area heavily used by drivers travelling towards the Dartford Crossing and beyond.
Firefighters have extinguished a lorry fire on the #A2 near #Bean in #Dartford. People are advised to expect traffic delays and to check for travel updates before heading towards the affected area. More here – https://t.co/wI7zCpo3fR https://t.co/lRLxAoydKX
— Kent Fire and Rescue Service (@kentfirerescue) February 19, 2026
At the time of the latest update, lanes 1, 2 and 3 remain closed. National Highways has not provided an exact reopening time, but confirmed specialist service providers are still on site assessing the damage caused by the fire.
That inspection could take place over the coming hours, depending on what crews find.
How severe are the A2 delays, and how far do queues stretch?
Traffic has backed up heavily, with National Highways reporting at least 90 minutes of delays and approximately six miles of congestion on the approach.
For drivers already on the road, the delays are proving particularly frustrating because the incident occurred during peak commuting hours, when the A2 often runs close to capacity even under normal conditions.
Drivers attempting to escape the queues may also push congestion onto surrounding local roads, increasing pressure on smaller routes around Dartford, Bean and nearby junctions.
Did anyone get hurt in the lorry fire?
Kent Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that no injuries have been reported. Two fire engines attended the scene, and crews wearing breathing apparatus tackled the blaze using compressed air foam and hose reel jets.
The fire service was able to bring the flames under control, preventing the incident from becoming more serious.
While the lack of injuries will come as a relief, the disruption remains significant due to the scale of the recovery operation.
Why is the A2 still closed if firefighters have already put the blaze out?
Although the fire has been extinguished, the clean-up is far from straightforward.
National Highways confirmed the lorry’s load must be removed before the vehicle can be safely recovered. This process carries risk, particularly if the contents have been exposed to heat or damage.
In an official statement, National Highways said: “The contents of the HGV have to be unloaded before the vehicle can be recovered.”
They also warned recovery teams face an additional danger: “There is a possibility the contents may re-ignite whilst being unloaded.”
Because of that risk, crews are working carefully and slowly, which is likely to extend delays until the lorry can be fully cleared and the road inspected for damage.
What have National Highways and Kent Fire and Rescue said?
National Highways has urged drivers to take the disruption seriously and plan around it.
In its travel warning, the agency said: “If this impacts your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.”
Kent Fire and Rescue Service confirmed crews successfully extinguished the blaze and reiterated that no casualties have been reported.
Could this incident affect the M25 and Dartford Crossing routes?
Yes, and that is one of the biggest concerns for drivers today. Because the closure sits close to the M25/A282 interchange, congestion on the A2 can quickly spill into surrounding routes, particularly those feeding towards the Dartford Crossing corridor.
Even if the crossing itself remains open, tailbacks can create slow-moving traffic across connecting junctions.
For motorists travelling towards Essex, the disruption may cause delays long before they reach the A282 approach roads.
What should drivers do if travelling on the A2 today?
Drivers heading through the area are being advised to leave earlier than normal and avoid the affected section if possible. Anyone commuting to work, heading to deliveries, or travelling towards the M25 should check live traffic updates before setting off.
National Highways has suggested that motorists may want to reroute or delay travel altogether, particularly if their journey is not essential.
