One of the tunnels at the Dartford Crossing was closed this morning (May 23) because of overrunning engineering work.
The eastbore tunnel opened just after 9am after being closed throughout peak rush hour, with nine miles of building on the M25 clockwise between junction two and three.
Highways England said the closure was due to a "safety system failure following overnight works" and contractors are currently on site trying to rectify the problem.
Queues up to nine miles long mounted from the crossing all the way back to the Swanley Interchange.
Congestion was also reported as far as Orpington.
Motorists have been advised to use an alternative route if possible and vehicles over 4.8m are being diverted through the left tunnel which remains open.
Frustrated drivers took to social media to vent about the chaos on the roads.
Welcome to the #M25, AKA "The Biggest Car Park In The World" this morning. #RoadToNowhere pic.twitter.com/qQxPbkz0qp
— David Thompson (@DaveT367) May 23, 2016
Horrendous traffic on #M25 getting to Heathrow😳😳 Hope I don't miss my flight to #Berlin 😥😢 pic.twitter.com/jSvwmOCNXD
— Funke Abimbola FRSA (@DiversityChamp1) May 23, 2016
#M25 madness 3 hour delays because of overrunning roadworks. Not acceptable.
— Bexley CAB (@bexleycab) May 23, 2016
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