The Dartford Crossing was closed all afternoon and evening after a crash between a car and a lorry.

The Queen Elizabeth II bridge had been blocked yesterday (July 3) clockwise from Junction 31 for Lakeside and Purfleet to Junction 1a for Dartford.

According to traffic monitoring site Inrix, the HGV’s fuel tank had split and leaked across all lanes.

Shortly before 5pm, National Highways reported there were delays of two hours in both directions on the M25, with up to eight miles of congestion.

Essex police were called to the collision, which happened at about 11.05am.

The ambulance service also attended and confirmed a woman was taken to Basildon University Hospital with a minor injury.

A spokesperson for the force said: “We expect the Dartford Crossing to remain closed throughout this afternoon and into this evening following an earlier collision and damage to the road surface and barriers.

“These repairs are important to maintain the safety of the bridge for all road users.

“We would like to thank drivers affected already for their ongoing patience, and encourage everyone to check before travelling in the area this evening.

“Disruption to the surrounding road network is expected and drivers should plan their journeys accordingly.”

At 1.44am today (July 4) National Highways announced on X, formerly Twitter, the bridge had been reopened after completion of barrier repairs and resurfacing works.

The east tunnel, which vehicles had been diverted through, has also reopened as normal.