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Transport and Logistics Network

Diversion details as QEII Bridge fully closed following lorry crash

Diversion details have been confirmed as the QEII Bridge at the Dartford Crossing[1] has been fully closed today (Thursday, July 3) following a crash involving a car and a lorry. The incident was first reported at 11.05am this morning and took place just before the bridge. Significant damage has been caused to barriers on the bridge which will need to be repaired.

Meanwhile, the crash also resulted in a large fuel spill on the carriageway, meaning all lanes will need to be resurfaced. Police officers from Essex Police are at the scene and are carrying out investigations, after which preparations will be made to begin the emergency repairs. Paramedics and fire crews were also called to the scene, and one person is reported to have sustained minor injuries.

In their latest update shared at 2pm, a spokesperson for Essex Police said: "We expect the Dartford River Crossing to remain closed throughout this afternoon and into this evening following an earlier collision and damage to the road surface and barriers [...] "We would like to thank drivers affected already for their ongoing patience, and encourage everyone to check before travelling in the area this evening."

This photo shows the jacknifed lorry on the QEII Bridge - the Dartford Crossing - which hit the barriersThis photo shows the jacknifed lorry on the QEII Bridge - the Dartford Crossing - which hit the barriers

With the vital crossing between Essex and Kent likely to remain shut for the remainder of the afternoon, National Highways has confirmed the diversion routes that drivers will need to follow. All traffic travelling southbound (clockwise) on the M25[2]/A282 is being diverted through the east bore tunnel.

As such, all northbound traffic travelling on the A282 and M25 is being diverted via the west bore tunnel, which is the shorter of the two. Vehicles over 4.8m (15'9") in height will have to seek an alternative route via the clockwise M25. A spokesperson for National Highways added: "If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time.

Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey."

Keep up to date with the latest updates relating to this ongoing incident with our live blog here[3] .

Never get stuck in a jam again with our FREE traffic and travel email for KentLive readers. Find out more here.[4]

References

  1. ^ Dartford Crossing (www.kentlive.news)
  2. ^ M25 (www.kentlive.news)
  3. ^ live blog here (www.kentlive.news)
  4. ^ Find out more here. (www.kentlive.news)

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