Commuters using the Dartford Crossing are advised to prepare for regular night-time closures at the east tunnel, commencing from Monday, June 3, and continuing until Monday, July 1, 2024.
The closure schedule includes maintenance works aimed at repairing essential electrical components within the east tunnel, as well as planned maintenance activities on a bridge at the A282 junction 1b throughout the month of June.
To facilitate the necessary works and ensure the safety of workers and motorists, the A282 northbound carriageway, spanning from M25 junction 2 to A282 junction 1a, and the Dartford east tunnel are slated for closure during specified hours.
A notable closure event is scheduled for Saturday, June 22, and Sunday, June 23, where the QEII bridge will be closed between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. to facilitate maintenance operations.
Following this closure, weeknight closures of the Dartford east tunnel will resume from Monday, June 24, to Friday, June 28.
Routine tunnel safety inspections will also continue on weekends, with the west tunnel undergoing inspections on Saturdays from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., and the east tunnel on Sundays from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., with no access for vehicles over 4.8 meters.
The Dartford Crossing, serving as a crucial connection point between the A282 and the M25 London Orbital Motorway, witnesses a significant volume of traffic, with over 50 million vehicles traversing its lanes annually.
During the closure period from June 3 to June 21, the Dartford east tunnel will be closed between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. Mondays to Thursdays, and from 9:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Fridays. Meanwhile, the closure for the M25 junction 2 to A282 junction 1a (northbound) will occur between 10 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. Mondays to Thursdays, and from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Fridays.
For diversion purposes, a signed route for northbound traffic will guide drivers via the A2 eastbound, B255 northbound, and the A206 westbound, with access to the west tunnel available via the northbound entry slip road.
During the closure period from June 24 to June 28, the Dartford east tunnel will be closed between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. Mondays to Thursdays, and from 9:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Fridays. Vehicles less than 4.8 meters high can use the adjacent Dartford west tunnel overnight, while vehicles between 4.8 meters and 5.0 meters high will be diverted via the M25 clockwise route.
These maintenance activities aim to enhance the safety and efficiency of the Dartford Crossing, ensuring the smooth flow of traffic and the continued reliability of this vital transportation link.
