Motorists have been warned of severe delays where the A12 joins the M25 due to emergency repair work taking place this evening.

Highways England has announced it is taking immediate action after the bridge at junction 28 – carrying the M25 over the A12 – was damaged when a van and two cars collided this morning.

The work is due to be completed by 7pm today, at the earliest, with congestion expected throughout tonight’s rush hour.

Motorists have been told to expect delays of two hours or more on approach to the junction.

Operatives have installed a concrete barrier to protect the area which was hit, and the M25 clockwise is closed through the junction.

A short diversion is in place across the junction interchange.

Once the concrete barrier has been installed to fence off the hard shoulder, it will take six to eight weeks to finish permanent repairs. Some 28 feet of parapet was damaged in the incident, including two posts.

Drivers are advised to check conditions before setting out and to allow extra time if they are using the junction while the closure is in place.