Delays continue on M25 due to emergency Dartford Tunnel repairs
Motorists using the Dartford Tunnel will continue to face delays as ongoing emergency repairs are expected to last all day. Two lanes have been closed northbound between Junction 1A of the A206, for Dartford, and Junction 31 of the A1306, for Lakeside, since around midday yesterday (Friday, January 24).
The Junction 1A entry slip and the left-hand tunnel are shut, with the right-hand tunnel remaining open. National Highways said: "A lorry that was over the permissible height entered the left tunnel[1] and in doing so has struck several pieces of equipment resulting in damage.
"The equipment is essential to the safe operation of the tunnel and therefore traffic cannot flow through it until repairs are carried out." National Highways has engineers, contractors and safety teams conducting inspections, repairs and testing to make the west tunnel safe to re-open. Previously, bosses said the route would only be closed for the morning.
But, in an update shortly before 8am, they said it will remain shut today for "extensive" repairs.
Amy Breeze, duty manager at National Highways, said: "We understand the disruption this closure has on those planning on using the northbound Dartford Crossing, and I can assure you we are continuing to work at pace and utilise all the resources we have to address this issue and get the damaged tunnel reopened as soon as it is safe to do so.
"The damage is extensive and runs the tunnel's entire length of 0.8 miles, affecting the ventilation fans, the lighting, CCTV and the fire suppression system. "Our number one priority is the safety of those using our road network, and until we can safely operate the tunnel, it will remain closed. "I would urge anyone planning on using the one remaining northbound tunnel allow extra time to complete their journey or consider an alternative route."
Last night, there were delays of two hours, with eight miles of congestion.
Picture: National Highways
Drivers also faced delays due to a broken-down vehicle on the Dartford Crossing clockwise, between Lakeside and Dartford. In a separate incident, a collision took place on the motorway anti-clockwise yesterday morning, between the Swanley Interchange and Darenth Interchange. It was located within the congestion that had been caused as a result of the tunnel closure.
This led to two lanes being shut, however the incident has now cleared.
The QE2 Bridge was supposed to close tonight for routine safety inspections.
However, this has been cancelled due to the issues in the tunnel.
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References
- ^ lorry that was over the permissible height entered the left tunnel (kentonline.co.uk)