M25 traffic news: Dartford Crossing REOPENS after Storm Doris shuts bridge for EIGHT HOURS
THE DARTFORD Bridge on the M25 has re-opened after Storm Doris caused travel hell with road, rail and flights disruption across the UK.
Storm Doris now categorised as a weather bomb
The Dartford Crossing was shut, along with other major bridges, while flights were grounded and rail speeds restricted as Storm Doris wreaks havoc across the country.
Buffer lanes and speed restrictions were introduced on the QEII Bridge this morning but as wind speeds picked up the Highways Agency announced the road would be shut altogether.
The crossing re-opened shortly after 8pm as motorists were forced to endure major delays across the M25 ring road surrounding London.
Motorists reported being stuck in traffic for more than six hours with congestion reaching back into Thurrock and Kent.
High-sided vehicles, caravans, motorbikes and bicycles were advised against travel on some roads.
Strong winds have closed the Dartford Crossing
Dartford Crossing closed as Storm Doris causes chaos
The A282 Dartford Crossing southbound is closed due to strong winds currently being experienced on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge
Highways England said in a statement: “The A282 Dartford Crossing southbound is closed due to strong winds currently being experienced on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge.
"These winds are expected to increase in intensity throughout the morning and afternoon and the bridge will remain closed until the wind speeds have reduced.
“Southbound traffic for the Dartford Crossing is being diverted via one of the Dartford Tunnels. As a result of this diversion northbound traffic using the Crossing is being restricted to one tunnel which has a height restriction of 15' 9".
Stuck in traffic 4.5 hrs as slip road closed. Sort it out @HighwaysSEAST # ridiculous #doris #dartfordcrossing #nowayhome pic.twitter.com/xxB8mqBL1u
— Kirsty Baker (@kirjack) February 23, 2017
#dartfordcrossing #highwaysengland sort it out even emergency services are having trouble getting through. pic.twitter.com/2rTQGmSiKv
— Donna Longden (@BullmanDonna) February 23, 2017
4 MILES to the #dartfordcrossing and been stuck for 2 HOURS come on @HighwaysSEAST sort it out. Some dangerous driving going on pic.twitter.com/iKPmNUaHCX
— Donna Longden (@BullmanDonna) February 23, 2017
The Dartford River Crossing is closed over Storm Doris wind gusts
“If you're planning on using the Dartford Crossing in either direction please plan ahead and consider alternative routes. Please allow plenty of extra time for your journey as severe delays in both directions is highly likely.”
Massive gusts of up to 94mph were recorded in the UK this morning.
During the QEII Bridge closure traffic was diverted via the East Tunnel and West Tunnels of the crossing.
Height restrictions were in place for all southbound vehicles.
Storm Doris has caused chaos across Britain
Motorists were warned to expect delays as broken-down vehicles and accidents caused chaos during rush hour.
The M25 anticlockwise exit slip at junction 6 was closed due to a broken down vehicle, with disruption expected until at least 6.15pm.
A pile-up on the M25 anticlockwise between junctions 11 and 10 was also causing tailbacks.
Traffic was expected to return to normal at around 7.30pm.
Other roads in the UK have been closed as cars skid off the road and cause chaod for drivers - including the M80 in Scotland.
The Orwell Bridge near Ipswich will be closed this morning in anticipation of high winds while some are being warned not to take to the roads.
The Severn Bridge between England and Wales and the Britannia Bridge across the Menai Strait between the island of Anglesey and the mainland of Wales are also closed.
Roads and bridges will be re-opened when it is safe to do so, the Highways Agency said.