Motorists face huge delays and disruptions as the QEII bridge closes for hours overnight this weekend.

The Dartford bridge, which plays its part in the 160,000 vehicles which use the crossing each day, will shut from 8pm tonight until 10am tomorrow as part of maintenance work.

The closure is part of a two-year project to replace the bridge's expansion joints, which allow it to expand and contract during temperature changes.

This means traffic heading south will be diverted through the east tunnel, with northbound traffic using the west bore only.

A diversion will be put in place for large vehicles heading north.

Those using the clockwise entry slip road will find it shut at junction 31. Traffic will be directed to follow a diversion via junction 30.