Traffic chaos is unfolding on the M25 as emergency repairs have led to the closure of one of the tunnels at the Dartford Crossing, resulting in significant delays for drivers. According to National Highways, the left-hand tunnel has been shut down due to a dislodged ventilation pipe, causing a ripple effect of congestion that extends over three miles back to Junction 3, particularly affecting those traveling anti-clockwise towards the Swanley Interchange.
Initially, traffic was held up as officials worked to secure the area by cordoning off two lanes, but now motorists heading north on the A282/M25 have been rerouted into the right-hand tunnel while repairs continue. As of now, drivers are experiencing delays that may stretch up to one hour, with some reports indicating that wait times could escalate to approximately 1.5 hours.
The situation remains fluid and uncertain, with the timeline for the tunnel's reopening still unknown. The entry slip road at Junction 1A has also been closed, compounding the difficulties for road users.
As this incident progresses, we’ll provide continuous updates to keep you informed.
At 1:50 PM, Sam Honey reported that the delays have intensified, with queues extending further than expected. The latest report from Inrix notes that severe delays are ongoing, emphasizing that two lanes remain closed while emergency work is being carried out. Traffic is congested from Junction 1A near Dartford all the way to Junction 31 towards Lakeside and Purfleet, highlighting the severity of the situation.
In a recent update from National Highways, it was confirmed that crews are assessing the situation regarding the dislodged ventilation pipe to determine if it can either be rehung or removed, which will dictate how long the left-hand tunnel will be out of service.
As of 1:13 PM, heavy traffic continues to plague the area, with the left-hand tunnel officially closed for repairs. Motorists are advised to plan their journeys accordingly, as queues are stretching back over three miles, leading to frustrating delays.
We welcome you to our live coverage of this breaking traffic situation. Stay tuned for the latest developments, and if you have any information or photos related to the incident, feel free to share them by emailing kentlivenewsdesk@reachplc.com. Don’t forget to subscribe to our KentLive newsletter to keep up with all the major local stories and news updates.
