Highways England has warned drivers could expect severe delays this morning at the QEII bridge (Dartford Crossing)

It comes as two Just Stop Oil activists were seen climbing to the top of the bridge, forcing police to close the bridge. 

The incident took place at around 5am this morning as the two climbers ascended the two 84m masts on the North side of the bridge.

Following the protests, the police had to stop traffic from entering the bridge which is now expected to remain shut for 24 hours.

Highways England has since told drivers "to avoid travelling to the Dartford crossing" and to "please consider alternative routes".

How long are traffic delays at the Dartford Crossing?

According to the national highways website, "there are  long delays of 2 hours above normal journey times on the anti-clockwise carriageway."

Later adding that this is also around six miles of congestion for the anti-clockwise route. 

The clockwise carriageway has similar delays with around "2 hours above normal journey times" and nearly miles of congestion.

READ MORE: Dartford Crossing shut as Just Stop Oil protestors climb QEII Bridge: Live

READ MORE: WATCH: Protester climbs to top of Dartford Crossing bridge causing traffic chaos

National Highways also warns drivers that the closure will cause "impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey."

You can find the latest information via the National Highways website.

Just Stop Oil protesters climb QEII Bridge as Dartford Crossing closed

Essex Police said officers were called shortly before 3.50am on Monday to a report that two people had climbed onto the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge at the Dartford Crossing and were “currently at height”.

Just Stop Oil said in a statement that two supporters of the group had scaled the structure “to demand that the government halts all new oil and gas licences and consents”.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “The QEII bridge is closed to allow us to resolve the situation as safely as possible and a diversion is in place through the tunnel.

“This is a complex operation due to the height at which the protesters are currently situated and it may take some but we are working as quickly as possible.”