Thousands of drivers could have travel plans disrupted this morning as issues with the Dartford Tunnel cause long delays and stationary traffic.
The west tunnel of the Dartford Tunnels has been closed between Junction 1a (Littlebrook Interchange at Dartford) and Junction 31 (Purfleet-on-Thames/West Thurrock).
The issue stems from a lorry being permitted entry to the left tunnel on Friday (January 23), despite being over the allotted height.
The heavy goods vehicle then struck "multiple pieces of essential equipment and tunnel infrastructure resulting in extensive damage".
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National Highways reported that the equipment is essential to the safe operation of the tunnel.
As a result, the transport organisation has confirmed that traffic cannot flow until repairs are completed.
Engineers, contractors and safety teams are conducting inspections, repairs and testing to ensure the tunnel is safe to re-open.
The east (right) tunnel remains open for vehicles, with maps showing stationary and slow-moving traffic on the approach.
Drivers are facing traffic chaos at the Dartford Tunnel this morning
|NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
However, road users are being warned to expect congestion on the approach to the Dartford Tunnels.
National Highways added: "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."
The transport organisation also stated that it would continue to update drivers on any changes to the traffic situation.
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Traffic maps show stationary traffic near the Dartford Tunnel
|NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Posting on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, the South-East division of National Highways said the closure is likely to remain until "later this morning".
It reported: "There was extensive damage caused to a number of pieces of infrastructure within the tunnel which can't be quickly repaired."
Some social media commenters relayed their frustration at the situation, with some calling it a "shambles", while others reported that traffic was already starting to back up.
Many are frustrated given the timeline of repairs, with National Highways first reporting the closure at midday on Friday.
Motorists are being advised to consider alternative travel plans if they need to use the Dartford Tunnel
|NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Reports stated that the "lorry" strike had originally caused 30 minutes of delays, before rising to 90 minutes, in addition to eight miles of congestion.
At 4pm, National Highways stated that the tunnel would be closed for the rest of the day to allow for emergency repairs to take place.
The overnight closure of the east tunnel was cancelled to focus on repairs between A282 J2 and J1a.
One angry commenter questioned: "I thought you had over height detectors in place??? Thanks for ruining everyone’s Friday evening!!!!"