Motorists faced major disruption at the Dartford Crossing on Wednesday morning after a crash involving two lorries caused significant delays on the M25 clockwise. Three lanes were closed between Junction 1b at Dartford and Junction 2 for the A2 and Darenth Interchange, leading to heavy congestion and long queues in the area.
National Highways reported delays of more than 50 minutes shortly after 8am as traffic built up on the approach to the crossing. The backlog spread across the Dartford Bridge on the Essex side, with congestion reaching back beyond Junction 29 near Romford. Traffic monitoring service Inrix said the collision involved two lorries.
Emergency services attended the scene, with two fire engines sent to help make the area safe. Police were also approached for further information about the incident. The crash caused continuing disruption during the morning rush hour, affecting drivers travelling through one of the busiest road links in the southeast.
In a separate incident in Swanscombe, traffic problems also emerged after a collision involving two cars on Manor Way. Police were called to the scene at about 8.30am and remained in attendance while the vehicles were recovered. No injuries were reported in that crash.
The incidents added to a difficult morning for motorists in Kent and Essex, with both the Dartford Crossing and nearby roads affected by collisions and delays. Drivers were advised to expect slow-moving traffic and significant journey time increases while recovery work and clear-up operations continued.
