QEII bridge reopens after police incident closes M25 crossing leading to miles of tailbacks - live updates
The QEII Bridge was closed southbound due to a police incident causing serious delays on the M25.
National Highways warned traffic was being diverted via the East Tunnel at the Dartford Crossing.
Miles of tailbacks were reported on the M25 after police closed the bridge amid concerns for the welfare of a man.
Police were called at 10.15am on Sunday and in an update at 12.30pm police said the man was safe and the bridge had reopened.
It was expected it would still take some time for traffic to clear after miles of jams built up.
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Follow the latest updates below.
Live updates
Delays easing
Severe delays have now eased to 30 minutes, according to reports.
National Highways yet to release update on traffic
National Highways are yet to release a traffic update but as the bridge is reopened, traffic jams are expected to ease.
How long motorists stuck in jams will face beofre they are moving again remains unclear.
Bridge reopens
Essex Police have just confirmed the bridge has reopened following the incident.
The force said it was called to concerns for the welfare of a man on the bridge at around 10.15am.
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Currently no timescale for how long bridge will be closed
In its current update, National Highways has said due to the ‘nature of the incident’ there is no indication of how long it will take before the bridge reopens.
It said: “ The M25/A282 is closed clockwise/southbound between J30 (A13) and J1a (Dartford) due to an Essex Police led incident on the QEII Bridge at Dartford Crossing.
“National Highways Traffic Officers and contractors are assisting with traffic management.
“Due to the nature of the incident, there are currently no timescales for how long the closure may be in place for.
“As a result of this incident, the eastbore tunnel (for northbound traffic at the crossing) is also closed.
“Northbound crossing traffic is confined to using the west bore Dartford tunnel only with a height restriction of 4'8m (15'9").
“Vehicles over this height will have to seek an alternative route via the clockwise M25.”
Traffic update
There are delays of over an hour on the M25 clockwise approaching the crossing, according to National Highways.
Delays of 84 minutes have been reported on the M25 clockwise between the A127 and A282, according to reports, with an average speed of five mph.
Miles of tailbacks reported on the M25
National Highways have been providing updates on the traffic problems sparked by the closure of the bridge.
In an update an hour ago it said: “Traffic is held southbound on the A282 QEII bridge due to ongoing due to a police led incident.
It said there were delays of 30 minutes and approximately two miles of congestion on the approach.
It later confirmed the bridge had been closed southbound with traffic being diverted.
It said: “Emergency services continue to lead at scene. Traffic is being diverted via the East Tunnel. Vehicles exceeding the height restriction will need to follow an alternative route via the M25 clockwise.”
Police incident closes QEII bridge
A police incident has closed the QEII bridge southbound at the Dartford Crossing with miles of tailbacks reported.
We’ll be keeping you updated with developments.