A major police incident has caused widespread disruption on the M25 Dartford Crossing this morning, as the QE2 Bridge was closed to clockwise traffic from Junction 31 (A1306 Lakeside/Purfleet) to Junction 1A (A206 Dartford).
Clockwise Closure – Traffic Diverted Through Dartford Tunnel
As of 3:12 AM, all clockwise traffic has been diverted through one of the Dartford Tunnels, which is operating temporarily in the reverse direction to keep vehicles moving from Essex into Kent. This tunnel, however, comes with a height restriction of 5 metres, limiting access for some high-sided vehicles and HGVs.
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The decision to reroute traffic was made in response to the full closure of the bridge, with the nature of the police incident still unconfirmed at this time. Emergency services remain at the scene.
Anti-Clockwise Delays and Tunnel Restrictions
The diversion has had a knock-on effect on anti-clockwise traffic. On the M25 anticlockwise from J1A (Dartford) to J31 (Lakeside), two lanes are closed to allow one tunnel to be allocated to the diverted clockwise traffic.
Only the left-hand tunnel, which has a lower height clearance of 4.8 metres, remains open to vehicles heading anti-clockwise from Kent into Essex. Drivers of taller vehicles are being warned they may not be able to use this route.
Severe Delays Expected
With one tunnel operating in each direction, capacity is significantly reduced. Despite the Easter holidays, the Dartford Crossing remains one of the UK’s busiest motorway links, and drivers are facing long delays and congestion on approach roads, including the A13, A282, and surrounding routes.
National Highways and traffic authorities have advised motorists to avoid the area if possible, use alternative crossings, or delay travel until the situation is resolved.
What Drivers Need to Know
- Clockwise QE2 Bridge closed – police incident ongoing
- All clockwise traffic diverted through a Dartford Tunnel (5m height limit)
- Anti-clockwise traffic restricted – two lanes closed, only low tunnel open (4.8m)
- Delays expected throughout morning rush hour
Further updates will be provided as soon as more information becomes available. Travelers should check live traffic reports or tune in to local radio before setting off.
