Motorists face NINE MILE tailbacks on M25 after part-closure of Dartford tunnel
Over running engineering works on the crossing caused nightmare jams
DRIVERS faced nightmare traffic jams during rush hour this morning after the part-closure of Dartford tunnel resulted in tailbacks of NINE MILES.
The failure of one the tunnel’s safety systems and over running engineering works on the crossing led to the commute from hell for many motorists.
Queues were seen stretching out on the M25 clockwise, between junction two and three, after the eastern side of the tunnel was closed.
Highways England said the crossing remained closed throughout the rush hour due to a "safety system failure following overnight works".
Contractors were rushed out to try and fix the issue and the tunnel reopened at shortly after 9am this morning.
In a statement issued earlier this morning Highways England said: "Drivers are being advised that the east (right hand) tunnel at the Dartford Crossing remains closed as one of the tunnel’s safety systems is not operating.
"Engineers are on site and carrying out repairs but it is likely to take until at least 9am before the tunnel can be safely reopened.
"The tunnel had been closed for routine maintenance and was due to reopen at 5am.
"Northbound traffic can continue to use the west tunnel, which has a height limit of 4.8 metres (15’9’’). Southbound traffic using the QEII bridge remains unaffected.
"Highways England and its contractors are working hard to fix the safety system and will reopen the tunnel as soon as it is safe to do so.
"Drivers of tall vehicles – over 4.8 metres – will be diverted via the western section of the M25. Drivers are advised to plan their journeys and to allow extra time."
Frustrated car users took to social media to complain about the chaos on the roads – and to ask why the works had been allowed to overrun.
Others spoke of their fears in not making flights from Heathrow as the queues built up.
Highways England tweeted: “The safety critical repairs are complete and the east tunnel is now OPEN. Long delays remain #M25 ACW and #A2 W/B.”
Drivers were advised to use alternative routes – although surrounding roads also experienced a knock-on affect with the Blackwall Tunnel reporting more traffic than usual.
The tunnel had been closed for routine maintenance and was expected to reopen at 5am this morning.
The tailbacks also caused slow moving traffic near Bluewater shopping centre.
TfL traffic news tweeted: “Due to overrunning night works, the right-hand Dartford Tunnel is closed. Expect extra traffic at the Woolwich Ferry and Blackwall Tunnel.”
TfL bus alerts said: “Buses serving Dartford Tunnel area delayed up to forty minutes due to roadworks.”
Those stuck in the traffic took to social media as they sat at a standstill to vent their anger at the delays.
@DaveT367 tweeted: “Welcome to the #M25, AKA "The Biggest Car Park In The World" this morning. #RoadToNowhere.”
@_HannahLou_ise said: “Genuinely scared I'm going to miss my flight to Sweden because of the M25 roadworks that should've finished last night #M25 #Dartford Tunnel.”
And @DiversityChamp1 wrote: “Horrendous traffic on #M25 getting to Heathrow. Hope I don't miss my flight to #Berlin.”
Bexley Citizens Advice Twitter said that “someone from #highwaysagency should be answering questions about M25 roadworks today” before adding that the delays were “not acceptable”.
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