Drivers are still facing long delays on a vital motorway network despite the QE2 Bridge and Dartford Crossing being re-opened.
Traffic was stopped on the A282 Dartford Crossing Southbound in Essex because of a police-led incident, resulting in long delays, with some drivers stuck for hours.
The QEII Bridge at the Dartford Crossing is now open again on southbound road following the conclusion of police action.
National Highways has advised that delays of two hours will remain on the M25 clockwise and an hour and a half anti-clockwise.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
National Highways and Essex Police have confirmed that the situation is ongoing
PA
While both the QEII Bridge and the tunnels, which make up the crossing have now reopened, traffic is “expected to take some time to clear”.
Earlier this morning, drivers had been facing delays of three hours on the M25 clockwise approaching the crossing and a further one-hour delay heading anti-clockwise.
At one point, the AA reported severe delays of 183 minutes with further delays on the M25 clockwise between J29 A127 Southend Arterial Road (Romford / Basildon) and J1A A206 Bob Dunn Way.
Congestion on the road has been present since around 6am, as the South East branch of National Highways urged drivers to consider alternative routes.
Because of the nature of the incident, the road traffic organisation does not have any information on the estimated time of resolution.
Keeping drivers updated on social media, it added that severe delays were expected as the traffic clears.
Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, National Highways South-East, said: "A severe 2 hour delay remains on the #M25 clockwise and an hour and a half anti-clockwise and this is expected to take some time to clear. Thanks for your patience."
Earlier in the morning, Essex Police said: “We’re currently dealing with concerns for the welfare of a man on the Dartford River Crossing.
“The incident was reported to us shortly after 6am this AM. Traffic is being held on the crossing as we work to bring the situation to a safe conclusion.
“We of course understand this action will impact on people's journeys and we will provide an update on the situation as soon as we practically can.
“We would urge patience as we work to resolve the incident.”
The Gravesend branch of the RNLI was also dispatched to the Dartford Bridge, a spokesperson for the charity said.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- Toyota stands firm and accelerates hybrid vehicle rollout despite major brands investing in electric cars
- Drivers urged to buy iconic Ferrari number plates as auction could see motorists fork out £30,000
- UK driver demand for petrol and diesel vehicles 'will be all but gone' within years as EV sales set to soar
The Dartford Crossing carries around 50 million vehicles every year
PA
It was requested to launch by HM Coastguard at around 6.15am this morning to assist Essex Police with the incident.
