Chaos erupted at the Dartford Crossing after the tunnel and bridge closed.
Motorists were left stranded for hours as miles of queues developed on the M25 (anticlockwise) near Swanley (junction three) last night (July 24) due to an “abnormal load”.
The freakish load is believed to be a 430 tonne electrical transformer that was moving into Kent.
Man currently walking his dog on the M25 #DartfordCrossing #DartfordTunnel #Traffic #Justwanttogethomenowplease ❤️😩
— Joanna Hart (@missjoannahart) July 24, 2016
Lorries carrying huge electrical transformers crossed the Dartford Crossing throughout spring, which created a knock-on effect for drivers’ journeys.
The eight transformers were being moved, one at a time, from Littlebrook Power Station to Thamesport on the Isle of Grain, Kent.
A final lorry trip has been planned next Saturday (July 30) when the Dartford Crossing closes.
Sunday night date at the dartford crossing #closed #dartfordcrossing #romance pic.twitter.com/mEMSTuiO2M
— James Girkin (@jimmygirk) July 24, 2016
While the loads were in transit, traffic was temporarily held-up to allow the enormous cargo to be moved around the Dartford Crossing freely.
Highways England expected traffic to be held up to 30 minutes each time but last night it miscalculated.
#dartfordcrossing no warning of closure of crossing; stuck for well over an hour stationary with 3 yr old and 6 month old baby. Disgrace.
— Clare Joghee (@ClareJoghee) July 24, 2016
In the traffic aftermath, a motorist was seen walking his dog on the M25, a couple posted a picture of themselves celebrating their date at the crossing, while another mother was left infuriated with her two young children stuck in the car.
The QEII Bridge will be closed overnight this Saturday (July 30) between 10pm and 6am, for road works.
Another "abnormal load" is expected to be using the QEII during this time but a signed diversion will be in place via the eastern bore of the Dartford Tunnel, which will be operating in reverse flow mode.
The highways agency has confirmed that this closure is for routine maintenance including minor surfacing, carriageway sweeping, litter clearance, electrical work, gantry work and general cleaning.
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