Long delays are expected as part of the Dartford Crossing will have an extended closure in place this weekend.

Highways teams are set to re-waterproof a section of the northbound M25 carriageway where it crosses above the Purfleet Interchange at junction 31.

Because the new materials need extra time to set before the road can be re-opened safely, crews are carrying out these works over extended closures on Saturday nights when National Highways says "traffic levels are at their lowest".

The first of these will be this weeekend, on Saturday September 30 from 8pm to 10am.

READ MORE >>> Dartford Crossing closures for this weekend – where, when and diversions

Due to the location of this work, the east tunnel will be shut alongside lane two through the west tunnel to safely divert traffic at M25 junction 31, where work will be taking place under a full closure of the northbound carriageway between junctions 31 and 30.

A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the M25 junction 31 Purfleet Interchange and the dedicated northbound linking road to re-join the M25 at junction 30.

Drivers are being urged to consider alternative routes "where possible" as they extended closure is expected to cause long delays.

A National Highways spokesman tweeted: "A282/M25 north Dartford Crossing will be partially closed for roadworks from 8pm 30/09 until 10am 01/10.

"A height restriction of 4.8m (15‘9”) will be in place.

"Long delays expected, road users are advised to consider alternate routes where possible."