DRIVERS in Kent and Essex were delayed this morning after the QEII Bridge at the Dartford Crossing was closed due to strong winds.

I reopened around 8.45am.

National Highways closed the QEII Bridge at the Dartford Crossing between Junctions 31 and 1A of the M25 at 1.45am today (Wednesday 24 January 2024).

At 6.44am a further announcement said: "This closure is likely to remain in place into and beyond peak times.

"Traffic travelling southbound is being diverted via a contraflow and through one of the tunnels. 

"Wind speeds continue to be monitored and structures and roads affected will be reopened only when it is safe to do so."

Traffic was backed up across Thurrock, with the A13 London-bound particularly badly affected, as were roads into West Thurrock and Grays.

At 7.50am the queue on the M25 stretched back to Junction 29 clockwise and Junction 3 anti-clockwise in Kent.