A giant transformer will be transported across the Dartford Crossing tonight, potentially causing delays for motorists.

The 143-tonne transformer will be carried on a special lorry across the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge as it makes its way from Essex to Surrey travelling at 12mph.

It will leave Tilbury Docks at about 7pm via the A109 and will travel north until it meets the A13 and will then be driven onto the A1306, and continue until the junction with the A282 towards the crossing.

Once it has crossed the bridge, it will exit at Junction 1A and re-join the M25 at Junction 2 due to a weight restriction between these junctions.

To reduce traffic disruptions the vehicle will arrive at Clacket Lane Services at approximately 4am tomorrow and will leave at 6am the following day to arrive at the substation in Surrey, by 4pm on the Sunday.

The equipment will be installed to help National Grid continue to deliver electricity to home and businesses across the south and beyond.

National Grid project engineer Aleksandra Zefirova said: “Our network operates smoothly, safely and efficiently over 99.9% of the time, a statistic we’re very proud of.

“Millions of people rely on us to supply their electricity without interruption, day in, day out and so it’s important that we keep our substations and the equipment in them working efficiently.”

If anyone has any questions about the delivery, they can call the National Grid hotline on 0800 0193235 between 9am and 5.30pm or email info@communityrelations.co.uk.