Is the Dartford Crossing closed and why is it so windy?
Lanes are often blocked due to accidents but it is rarely completely closed
THE Dartford Crossing is a huge gateway for people travelling over The Thames to get in and out of London.
If it is closed - due to weather or an accident - it can cause chaos for commuters.
Is the Dartford Crossing closed?
The crossing was closed on Thursday, February 7, for public safety as overhead winds reached speeds of 60mph.
Southbound traffic on the M25 had to travel through the East tunnel.
The East tunnel has a height restriction of five metres which is expected to cause long delays around the Dartford Crossing.
The direction of the 60mph wind is resulting in strong crosswinds, making it a hazard for drivers.
Further wind is expected as Storm Erik is on its way with yellow warnings in place for Northern Ireland and south west Scotland on Friday as a cold front comes in.
On Friday, it'll be a wet and stormy day and on Saturday, strong winds will continue with blustery showers.
Has it re-opened?
The Met Office told Highways England that such strong winds were expected until 8am.
They also issued a yellow weather warning for the winds.
The bridge re-opened around 8.20am.
Where is the Dartford Crossing?
The large bridge straddling The Thames is between Dartford, Kent, and Thurrock, Essex.
It consists of two tunnels and the cable-stayed Queen Elizabeth II Bridge.
It is the only fixed crossing on the river east of Greater London.
On average more than 130,000 vehicles use it every day.
It often suffers from heavy traffic and congestion.
It is about 20 miles east of the centre of London.
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When has the Dartford Crossing been closed before?
Last year, the Dartford Crossing closed after an unexploded World War Two bomb was found nearby.
The device was found just before 9am on February 13.
Lanes are often blocked due to accidents but it is rarely completely closed.
It was closed twice due to high winds in January as a storm battered the UK.
Highways England monitored wind speeds and opened the bridge when winds dropped down a safe level.
The tunnel at the Dartford Crossing remained open in both directions.
In 2016 a computer failure saw drivers stuck in four-hour tailbacks when the tunnel was closed.
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