Motorists are being warned to expect overnight disruption on the Dartford Crossing this week, as essential maintenance work will see the A282 northbound West Tunnel closed on multiple nights.
According to National Highways, the west tunnel will be shut nightly between Monday, March 10 and Friday, March 14, with closures in place from 9pm to 5:30am. The works will impact northbound traffic between Dartford in Kent and Thurrock in Essex, a key stretch of road that carries tens of thousands of vehicles over the River Thames each day.
Full Schedule of Closures:
- Monday, March 10 – Tuesday, March 11
- A282 Northbound West Tunnel closure
- Carriageway and slip road closed from 9pm to 5:30am
- Diversion routes via National Highways roads
- Tuesday, March 11 – Wednesday, March 12
- Same closure times and diversion routes
- Wednesday, March 12 – Thursday, March 13
- Same closure times and diversion routes
- Thursday, March 13 – Friday, March 14
- Same closure times and diversion routes
No Weekend Closures Planned
National Highways has confirmed that there will be no closures at the Dartford Crossing over the upcoming weekend, allowing for smoother weekend travel.
Plan Ahead to Avoid Delays
Drivers are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys, especially if travelling late at night or early in the morning. Diversion routes will be clearly signposted, but delays are still expected due to the volume of traffic diverted.
A spokesperson for National Highways said:
“These closures are necessary to ensure the continued safety and reliability of the Dartford Crossing. We advise all drivers to check their routes in advance and follow signed diversions where applicable.”
A Vital Thames Link
The Dartford Crossing is a critical link across the River Thames, connecting Dartford in Kent to Thurrock in Essex and forming a key part of the M25 orbital route. The A282 section includes the two-lane West Tunnel, used by northbound traffic, and is subject to regular maintenance to ensure its safety and efficiency.
Closures may be subject to change depending on weather conditions or operational requirements.
For more updates on road closures and traffic conditions, visit nationalhighways.co.uk or follow @HighwaysSEAST on social media.