A crash between two lorries, a truck, two cars and a shed load blocked the Dartford Tunnel, causing long queues and delays on both sides of the M25 this morning (July 27).
Only one lane (of four) was open on the M25 anticlockwise between Dartford tunnel and junction 31 at Thurrock, until 12pm.
Highways England have warned of 'severe delays', with queueing traffic for eight miles and congestion on M25 to Swanley, having been backed up to Orpington earlier today.
This is after an accident at 7am, which added to queues already mounting from over running night roadworks.
At 5pm, an overturned car caused by a crash on the M25 anticlockwise between junction 4 Orpington and junction 3 Swanley Interchange has caused further problems.
All lanes are blocked due to the flipped car, which is in the middle of the carriageway.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service are attending the incident.
The knock on effect from this morning's accident has caused congestion on several surrounding major roads.
- Gravesend: Long delays on the A2 Westbound between A227 Wrotham Road (Gravesend / Tollgate Services) and M25 J2 (Darenth Interchange).
- Dartford: queueing traffic from Old Bexley Lane (Dartford Heath) to M25 J2 (Darenth Interchange). This has since cleared.
- Slow traffic on A226 Westbound between Swanscombe and Greenhithe. As traffic diverts to avoid long delays on the A2 caused by problems on the M25 at Dartford.
- Woolwich: Queueing traffic at the Woolwich Ferry both ways, between A117 (North Pier) and A2204 New Ferry Approach (South Pier). Both boats are in service, but queues either side of the river are avoiding the Dartford Crossing and Blackwall Tunnel.
- Mottingham: Queueing traffic on A20 Sidcup Road into town at A208 Court Road, congestion on A20 to Sidcup Bypass (American Golf Centre).
The clockwise route was also congested, due to over running roadworks this morning - and people slowing down to look at the accident.
This morning's accident has forced several people to take to social media, warning over drivers to avoid the area.
Traffic in dartford is the bane of my life
— lacy|wallace (@lacywallacex) July 27, 2015
Traffic still bad in dartford, just been local park, not venturing out ...
— kelly ward (@kelly1latorre) July 27, 2015
@Lakesidehammers dartford been grid lock all morning cos of incident tunnel. Not easing up, if your going tonight leave extra extra early
— dawn s (@dawn_das) July 27, 2015
Avoid dartford at all costs traffic is shocking
— TLS ™ (@Spicer2395) July 27, 2015
UPDATE: A225 - Princes Rd Dartford still jammed. Will add 46m to your drive #LondonTraffic https://t.co/CKRuyolUbn pic.twitter.com/PN9FPBbDLL
— Unusual Traffic LON (@WazeTrafficLON) July 27, 2015
Anyone travelling through the Dartford tunnel this morning - avoid Bob Dunn way - 50 minutes queuing so far
— Darren Moorhouse (@bigdmoorhouse) July 27, 2015
Avoid #m25 dartford, as usual it isn't working
— DESIGNSCAPE UK LTD (@designscapeuk) July 27, 2015
The traffic on Dartford Tunnel / M25 this morning is unbelievable!!!
— POLA (@GorgeousPOLA) July 27, 2015
Great.. Traffic towards Dartford tunnel not moved for 15 minutes. Shall I just call it off and go home
— Phil Bingham (@philbingham96) July 27, 2015
More to follow.
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