For those traveling east of London, including Kent and Essex, crossing the Thames Estuary typically means using the Dartford Crossing. With nearly 60 years of service, this vital route, comprising both a bridge and tunnels, accommodates up to 180,000 vehicles daily. However, after decades of use, the crossing is undergoing essential maintenance, which will affect travel plans in the coming days.
Current and Upcoming Closures
The Dartford Crossing has experienced several maintenance closures throughout September, with more scheduled in the coming week. Here’s a detailed schedule of the upcoming closures:
Monday, September 9 to Thursday, September 12: The west tunnel will be closed each night from 10:00 PM to 5:30 AM. Additionally, the Blackwell Tunnel will remain closed on September 9, making it unavailable as an alternative route.
Friday, September 13: The west tunnel will be closed from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Maintenance on the west tunnel is expected to be completed after this period.
Saturday, September 14: The Queen Elizabeth II Bridge will undergo maintenance and will be closed from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM the following morning.
Sunday, September 15: The east tunnel will be closed from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM. During this time, vehicles over 4.8 meters in height will not have access through the west tunnel and will need to use the M25 clockwise as an alternative route.
Diversion Routes
During the closures, diversion routes will be in place to minimize disruption. While large vehicles may face limitations, such as the inability to use the west tunnel on September 15, overall, there will be alternative routes available to ensure that traffic flow is maintained.
Updates and Cautions
National Highways advises travelers to check their official website regularly for the most current information regarding road closures and maintenance updates. While these disruptions are necessary for the upkeep of the Dartford Crossing, planning ahead will help mitigate any potential inconvenience.
Conclusion
The ongoing maintenance at Dartford Crossing is crucial for ensuring the continued safety and functionality of this key transport link. Travelers should be aware of the scheduled closures and plan their journeys accordingly to avoid delays. Keeping updated with the latest information will help in navigating any disruptions effectively.