THE Dartford Tunnel closed after a 50-tonne crane broke down and started spilling oil across the road – sparking commuter chaos.
Drivers were warned of huge delays due after the HGV became stranded on the busy route in Dartford, Kent, yesterday evening.
The west tunnel slammed shut at around 6pm, while traffic officers were scrambled to assess the spillage.
All traffic was then diverted into the east crossing as motorists were warned of four miles of congestion.
The Junction 1a entry slip road near Dartford was also closed during the chaos.
National Highways said: “Officers and a specialist recovery team are on scene working to remove the stranded crane as quickly as possible.
“Once the crane has been cleared the oil spill will need to be treated before the tunnel can be safely re-opened to traffic.
“National Highways maintenance contractors are on scene already to commence this as soon as the crane has been cleared from the tunnel.
“Traffic is being diverted through the east (right) tunnel.
“This incident is causing long delays on approach and on local routes in the area.
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“Currently, delays of 30 minutes are being reported on the northbound approach to the Dartford Tunnels with heavy congestion from J2 (A2).”
Vehicles are charged up to £8.40 to use the Dartford Crossing.
It opened in stages from 1963 and is widely considered part of the M25 motorway.
Since 2008, it has been free for all motorists between 10pm and 6am.