Key Points
- Road Closure: The A124 Wood Lane in Barking and Dagenham is currently shut in both directions.
- Affected Stretch: The closure spans the section between Five Elms Road/Grafton Road and Thompson Road.
- Incident Timing: The collision reportedly occurred at approximately 9:00 pm on Thursday, November 12.
- Ongoing Operations: Crash investigation work is continuing at the scene this morning following the overnight incident.
- Transport Disruption: Local bus services are affected, with routes 5 and EL2 currently on diversion.
Barking and Dagenham (East London Times) November 13, 2026 – A major road in east London remains closed in both directions this morning as specialist officers continue crash investigation work following an overnight collision. The A124 Wood Lane has been cordoned off between Five Elms Road/Grafton Road and Thompson Road since the incident occurred at around 9:00 pm on Thursday, November 12, forcing local bus routes 5 and EL2 to divert.
What happened on the A124 Wood Lane in Barking?
Emergency services responded to a collision on the A124 Wood Lane in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham at approximately 9:00 pm on Thursday, November 12. Following the initial emergency response, authorities closed the carriageway to allow for detailed crash investigation work, which remains ongoing into Friday morning.
No official statements regarding injuries, the number of vehicles involved, or arrests have been released within the provided reports at this stage.
Which section of Wood Lane is currently closed?
Traffic authorities have implemented a full closure in both directions along a specific stretch of the A124. Motorists are unable to travel between the junction of Five Elms Road and Grafton Road and the junction at Thompson Road.
The cordon remains firmly in place overnight and throughout the morning period while investigators examine the scene. Drivers are being advised to avoid the immediate area and seek alternative routes around the Barking and Dagenham corridor.
How are local bus routes and commuters affected?
Public transport in the immediate vicinity is experiencing disruption due to the road block. Transport services have confirmed that two major local bus routes—the number 5 and the EL2—are currently operating on diversion to bypass the closed stretch of Wood Lane.
Passengers travelling through Barking and Dagenham this morning are facing altered stopping arrangements and potential delays as buses navigate surrounding residential and arterial roads.
Background of the Development
The A124 Wood Lane serves as a vital east-west arterial route through the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, connecting residential neighbourhoods with major retail hubs and surrounding trunk roads such as the A13. Standard metropolitan policing and road safety protocols require a complete closure of the carriageway when a serious collision occurs, ensuring forensic collision investigators can document physical evidence, measure skid marks, and assess road conditions undisturbed before the highway is deemed safe to reopen to the public.
Prediction: How This Development Will Affect Local Commuters and Residents
The continued closure of Wood Lane during the Friday morning peak period is expected to cause significant traffic congestion across neighbouring streets in Barking and Dagenham, particularly along Five Elms Road, Grafton Road, and adjacent residential cut-throughs as drivers attempt to bypass the cordon. Regular users of bus routes 5 and EL2 should anticipate extended journey times and temporary bus stop closures until forensic teams conclude their examination and highway maintenance crews clear the roadway. Local businesses situated within or immediately adjacent to the cordoned zone may also experience reduced footfall and delivery delays until normal traffic flow is restored.
