HIGHWAYS England is advising drivers to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys around Kent following an earlier incident forced the closure of the A282 and Dartford Crossing.

Some motorists were trapped on the carriageway, in sweltering heat, for several hours.

The M25 was closed in both directions this afternoon between junction 2 and 1A after disused pipework fell onto the carriageway from the B2500 Watling Street Bridge.

The incident occurred around 12.15pm, involving damage to six vehicles, and the carriageway has since been cleared of debris and the vehicles removed.

In a joint operation between Kent Police and Highways England, most of the trapped traffic has now been released in the clockwise direction and work is currently being undertaken to make safe any remaining pipework before the carriageway can be fully reopened.

Highways England is currently reopening all four anti-clockwise lanes but with 60-minute delays experienced earlier, congestion is expected to last a little while longer on routes in the area, including the A2.

Highways England South East Operations Manager Sam Day said: "We have been working hard with the emergency services and our contractors to reopen the A282.

"We are in the process of reopening the anti-clockwise carriageway, but the clockwise direction will remain closed for a little while longer and we're working hard to reopen that carriageway as soon as it's safe to do so."

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A fully signed diversion route has been in place following the hollow triangle symbol and people are being advised to travel to the South East/Kent region via the M25 travelling anti-clockwise via Watford to avoid the congestion

Sam added: "We've been working hard to ensure we can get people moving as quickly as possible, and our traffic officers have been assisting those people who have been trapped and those who have broken down in the closure,

"We thank drivers for their patience during this emergency work and with temperatures remaining high into the evening, we urge people to ensure they have enough water and liquids in their vehicles to ensure they stay hydrated during their journeys."