Dartford bridge CLOSED: M25 traffic chaos as police respond to people in road

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.

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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.

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It was requested to launch by HM Coastguard at around 6.15am this morning to assist Essex Police with the incident.