QEII Bridge closed due to police incident on M25

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 1 Nov, 18:27 · Archive

The Queen Elizabeth II Bridge at the Dartford Crossing closed southbound on the M25 shortly before midday following a police-led incident. National Highways confirmed that traffic was held on the A282 with delays of around 30 minutes and approximately two miles of congestion building on the approach.

Southbound traffic was diverted via the East Tunnel. However, as a result of the incident, the eastbore tunnel serving northbound traffic was also closed, leaving only the west bore tunnel available for northbound vehicles. This tunnel has a height restriction of 4.8 metres, with vehicles exceeding this limit requiring an alternative route via the clockwise M25.

National Highways said there were no timescales for how long the closures would remain in place due to the nature of the incident. Emergency services continued to lead operations at the scene. Traffic snarled back for miles on the M25 towards both Kent and Essex, with congestion also reported on the A13 towards Lakeside Shopping Centre in Thurrock and towards junction 3 with the M20.

Motor drivers using the Dartford Crossing pay the Dart Charge toll, which increased to £3.50 last year. Some motorists expressed frustration on social media about the delays and missed plans, with one driver reporting having been in standstill traffic for an hour.

On busy days, the Dartford Crossing, which comprises the bridge and two tunnels, can carry up to 180,000 vehicles. Diversions for southbound traffic were routed via the A13, A12, A102, Blackwall Tunnel, and the A2 before rejoining the M25 at junction 2 near Darenth.

How it is being reported

• M25 traffic LIVE: QEII Bridge closed after 'incident' near Dartford CrossingThere are no timescales for how long the closure will remain in place.Daily Express · 1 Nov, 12:40
• Busy Dartford Crossing bridge closed over ‘police incident’Drivers face traffic gridlock on the Dartford Crossing after it closed due to a police incident on the bridge (Picture: Getty Images) Drivers face long delays on the M25 between Essex and Kent after the Dartford Crossing closed. The UK’s busiest bridge, the Queen Elizabeth II, closed shortly…Metro · 1 Nov, 12:08
• QEII Bridge closed due to 'police incident' with miles of tailbacks on the M25 - live updatesIncident at Darford Crossing closes bridge southbound with serious traffic delaysEvening Standard · 1 Nov, 11:48

In this story: Queen Elizabeth II Bridge · Dartford Crossing · M25 · National Highways · Essex Police · River Thames

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log