Drivers are being warned of delays during the festive rush, with road closures planned at the Dartford Crossing.

The west tunnel is set to be shut overnight in the run-up to Christmas, starting today (December 16).

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Engineers are carrying out an extensive programme of maintenance work over the next few years to “keep journeys safe and reliable for road users”.

National Highways says the route was designed to handle 135,000 vehicles a day, but the average is now 150,000 – with the busiest days seeing up to 180,000 using it.

This week’s closures, for steelwork inspections and repairs, will take place from 9pm to 5.30am every day until Friday (December 20).

Drivers will be diverted via the east tunnel.

Today (December 16) and tomorrow (Tuesday, December 17) the Essex-bound A282 entry sliproad at Junction 1B will also be closed from 10pm to 5.30am.