A crash on the M25 near the Dartford Crossing has led to significant traffic delays during the afternoon rush hour. Three of four lanes on the clockwise A282 Dartford Crossing between junction 1B and junction 2 remain closed, with emergency services responding to the incident.
Motorway camera footage captured shortly before the afternoon rush hour shows traffic at a complete standstill. National Highways South East issued a warning on X (formerly Twitter), stating: "Lanes 1, 2 and 3 (of 4) are closed between J1B and 2 of the clockwise #A282 #DartfordCrossing because of a collision. Emergency services are heading to the scene. There are delays of up to 30 minutes against normal traffic."
Impact on Traffic
The closure is expected to cause delays of up to 30 minutes beyond normal travel times. The Dartford Crossing is a critical route connecting Essex and Kent, and the incident during peak hours is likely to affect thousands of commuters. National Highways advises drivers to seek alternative routes or allow extra time for their journeys.
Emergency services arrived at the scene promptly, though details of any injuries have not yet been released. The cause of the collision is under investigation, and lane closures are expected to remain in place until the scene is cleared and investigations are complete.
Advice for Drivers
Drivers are urged to check live traffic updates before traveling. National Highways recommends using the M25 clockwise via the QEII Bridge or the A13 as potential diversions. Live updates are available through traffic apps and National Highways' social media channels. The situation is ongoing, and further updates are expected as emergency services work to reopen the affected lanes.
