In a bid to enhance road safety and improve infrastructure, the eastbound tunnel of the Dartford Crossing is scheduled to undergo a four-week closure from Monday, February 5 to Friday, March 1. The closure will primarily affect nighttime traffic during weekdays and will involve essential upgrades to the tunnel’s CCTV systems.
The Dartford Crossing’s CCTV systems are vital for monitoring traffic conditions and ensuring the safety of road users. These systems are overseen by expert control room operators who work around the clock to keep traffic flowing smoothly and prevent accidents.
During the closure period, overnight shutdowns of the eastbound tunnel are slated to occur between 10 pm and 5 am from Mondays to Fridays. Additionally, on Sundays, closures will take place from 10:30 pm to 5:30 am. The westbound tunnel will also experience overnight closures on Saturdays from 10 pm to 5 am.
It’s important to note that the QEII Bridge will also have a scheduled closure from 10 pm on Saturday, February 24, to 5 am on Sunday, February 25. During this period, the west-bore tunnel will remain accessible to A282 northbound traffic. A contraflow diversion will be set up through the east-bore tunnel to facilitate the flow of A282 southbound traffic from Essex into Kent.
Drivers of goods vehicles and high-sided vehicles should take note of the following information:
- When the east-bore tunnel is closed, vehicles under 4.8 meters (15 feet 9 inches) in height will be rerouted through the west-bore tunnel.
- Vehicles with heights ranging from 4.8 meters (15 feet 9 inches) to 5.0 meters (16 feet 6 inches) will be diverted via the M25 clockwise.
- When the west-bore tunnel is closed, vehicles will be directed through the east-bore tunnel.
- During the closure of the QEII Bridge, southbound traffic will be redirected via the east-bore tunnel.
For vehicles under 4.8 meters (15 feet 9 inches) in height traveling northbound, the west-bore tunnel can be used as usual. Those with heights between 4.8 meters (15 feet 9 inches) and 5.0 meters (16 feet 6 inches) will follow an alternative diversion route via the M25 clockwise.
These closures and diversions aim to ensure the safety and efficiency of road users while essential work on the Dartford Crossing’s infrastructure is carried out. Road users are encouraged to plan their journeys accordingly during this period of improvement and maintenance.
