Motorists are facing significant delays as a result of the closure of the Dartford Tunnel due to a lorry collision that occurred because the vehicle exceeded the permissible height for tunnel passage. The west tunnel will remain closed for the remainder of the day, according to National Highways, following the incident earlier today.
The lorry’s height exceeded regulations, leading to a collision with the tunnel’s roof, prompting emergency repairs. This has caused severe congestion on both the A2 in both directions and the M25 anti-clockwise. The traffic backlog from the closure continues to worsen.
Reports indicate that there are approximately ten miles of queues, with drivers advised to anticipate delays of up to 90 minutes. National Highways has updated that there are severe delays on the A2 in both directions.
The planned closure of the A282 eastbore tunnel for the evening has been canceled due to ongoing issues with the westbore tunnel. National Highways confirmed that the west tunnel will not reopen today due to equipment damage from the collision.
Drivers are currently experiencing severe delays of over 90 minutes on the M25 due to congestion anti-clockwise, resulting from emergency repairs at the Dartford Tunnel leading into Essex. The left-hand tunnel is closed, while the right-hand tunnel remains operational. Traffic is backed up for at least eight miles.
It has been reported that the Dartford Tunnel will be closed throughout the Friday rush hour with extensive repairs required, as per Essex Travel News. The closure is due to substantial damage caused by a lorry collision, necessitating significant repair work.
Emergency crews are working on repairing the damage caused by the lorry strike, with no estimated time for the tunnel’s reopening. National Highways emphasized the essential nature of the damaged equipment for safe tunnel operation, emphasizing the need for repairs before traffic can resume.
In light of the severe damage and extensive repairs needed, drivers should expect the Dartford Tunnel to remain closed for several hours. National Highways has contractors on-site for repair work, but the process is expected to take a considerable amount of time. Road users are advised to anticipate long delays and heavy congestion while the left bore remains closed, suggesting alternative routes and allowing extra travel time.