The QEII Bridge will be closed later this week.

Highways England has warned drivers that the bridge into Kent from Essex will be shut off overnight this Friday and Saturday for maintenance work.

The bridge bearings – essential bridge components that allow the structure to expand and contract with changes in temperature – need to be replaced.

The closures will be in place between 11pm and 6am on Friday night and Saturday morning and between 10pm and 6am on Saturday night and Sunday morning.

Traffic will be stopped briefly while the contraflow is setup and removed.

Southbound traffic will be diverted to use the East tunnel.

As a result, a height restriction of 4.8 metres will be in place for northbound traffic during the closures.

The southbound entry slip road at junction 31 will be closed due to the contraflow being in place.

A diversion will be in place via junction 30.

Drivers are advised to plan their journeys and allow extra time.

Live traffic information is available from Highways England's website at www.highways.gov.uk/traffic-information/