The National Highways have issued the following statement:
A spokesperson said: “The west (left) bore of the Dartford Tunnel is closed between J1a Littlebrook Interchange (Erith A206; Swanscombe (A226)) and J31 Purfleet Interchange (South Ockendon, Dagenham A1306).
“A lorry that was over the permissible height entered the left tunnel and in doing so has struck several pieces of equipment resulting in damage.
“The equipment is essential to the safe operation of the tunnel and therefore traffic cannot flow through it until repairs are carried out. National Highways has contractors on site to affect repairs but this is likely to take several hours.
“Please be aware that although the east (right) bore remains open for traffic, we are advising road users intending on using the Dartford Tunnels this afternoon/evening to expect very long delays and heavy congestion whilst the left bore remains closed. If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time.
“Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.”