Drivers are being warned of long delays on a vital motorway network which could see motorists sat in severe delays for more than three hours.
Traffic has been stopped on the A282 Dartford Crossing Southbound in Essex because of a police-led incident, resulting in long delays.
The QE2 Bridge at the Dartford Crossing is now closed southbound as a result of the ongoing police action.
The eastbore tunnel has also been closed northbound to provide a diversion for southbound traffic.
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Traffic remains at a standstill
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Drivers could now face delays of three hours on the M25 clockwise approaching the crossing and a further one-hour delay heading anti-clockwise.
AA has reported that there are 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, with National Highways warning that the incident is likely to be ongoing for some time.
The South East branch of National Highways has advised drivers to consider alternative routes if they can.
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 there are now severe delays on the approach to the crossing.
National Highways East also stated that traffic remains held on the A282 Dartford Crossing southbound in Essex.
Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, 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 has also been dispatched to the Dartford Bridge, a spokesperson for the charity said.
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National Highways and Essex Police have confirmed that the situation is ongoing
PA
It was requested to launch by HM Coastguard at around 6.15am this morning to assist Essex Police, with the lifeboat still on the scene.