THE QEII Dartford bridge has reopened.

The bridge was closed shortly before 9pm last night as strong winds began to hit the region.

Traffic was heavy in the borough for much of yesterday evening and all day today, as the M25 clockwise traffic was diverted into one of the crossing's tunnels - normally used by anti-clockwise traffic.

Delays are expected for some time as pressures on the area's road network ease gradually but cameras in the area are showing that traffic seems to be coping well.

Residents reported that heavy traffic approaching the bridge had had a knock on effect on local raods in West Thurrock, with it taking a long time to travel short distances.

Ensignbus hopes to have its X80 Thurrock to Bluewater service back to normal by around 5pm.

Echo: crossing diversion being lifted

Highways officers lifting the diversion at the Dartford river crossing which had been in place since around 9pm on Friday night