The Dartford Crossing is now fully reopen after it was closed overnight for "essential" maintenance and repairs.

Motorists were previously warned that the bridge, which connects Dartford to Thurrock, would be closed overnight on Saturday and into this morning (Sunday).

A spokesman for National Highways previously said: "The river crossing will be closed overnight for further essential maintenance and repairs as part of the continuing work during the winter period.

"The closure will be going ahead from 8pm on Saturday, January 14, until 10am on Sunday, January 15."

However, it was fully reopened slightly earlier at about 9.30am

Southbound traffic had been diverted via the east tunnel while the bridge is closed, with northbound traffic using the west tunnel as normal.

The spokesman added: "While the crossing was closed contractors were replacing a bearing at the base of one of the bridge’s four 84-metre-high pylons.

"The bearings play a crucial role in transferring load from the bridge deck, and they also allow for thermal movement of the bridge as it expands and contracts in different temperatures.

"These bearings have become worn over time, so they’re being replaced to help keep journeys safe and maintained over the next several decades."

An extensive maintenance programme is currently underway at the Dartford Crossing which means overnight closures are in place regularly.

To keep up to date with this work click here.

Further information about scheduled roadworks and events in the Southeast can be found on Twitter.