Dartford Crossing: Drivers stuck in three-hour queues after police incident

Get Simon Calder's Free Travel Email For Expert Advice And Discounts

"Subscribe To Simon Calder's Travel Newsletter"

Motorists are experiencing lengthy waits in traffic for up to three hours because the southward portion of the Dartford Crossing, which connects Essex to Kent, has been shut down because of a police matter.

National Highways has reported that due to the closure of the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, there has been a significant buildup of traffic on the M25. The closure took place just after 6am.

The Essex Police have released a statement stating that they are presently attending to a matter concerning the safety and well-being of a man on the Dartford River Crossing.

We received information about the occurrence early this morning, just a little past 6am.

Cars are not allowed to pass the crossing because we are making sure that everything will be safe.

"We acknowledge that this measure will have an effect on individuals' travels and we shall furnish new information on the matter as soon as it is feasible."

Vehicles headed south are currently taking a different route, directed to the east tunnel of the Dartford Tunnel.

The tunnel's capacity has been reduced by 50%, and it is normally only utilized for traffic heading north.

According to National Highways, the crossing is facing a delay of three hours for vehicles heading towards the south and a delay of 90 minutes for vehicles going towards the north.

The authorities responsible for the highway announced at precisely 10:20 in the morning that they are currently taking steps to allow people to use the QEII Bridge again at the Dartford Crossing.

National Highways stated on social media that they are currently in the process of allowing southbound traffic through the #A282 #QEIIBridge at #DartfordCrossing again.

The lane reversal system in the tunnel for eastbound traffic has been eliminated.

We will assist you in getting back to your routine as soon as possible. We appreciate your understanding this morning.