Motorists brace for chaos at Dartford Crossing! A full week of overnight closures is set to disrupt one of the UK’s busiest Thames crossings from Monday, May 12 to Monday, May 19. Drivers are urged to plan ahead to avoid the jams.
Night-Time Closures Hammer Dartford Crossing
The A282 will undergo vital maintenance and resurfacing work. This means the West Tunnel and QEII Bridge exit slip roads will be shut during overnight hours. Both northbound and southbound lanes will be impacted.
- May 12–13: West Tunnel northbound closed 11pm–5.30am
- May 13–14: West Tunnel northbound closed 11pm–5.30am; QEII Bridge southbound lanes and exit slips shut 10pm–5.30am
- May 14–16: Same closures continue through to May 16
- May 16–17: West Tunnel northbound closed 9pm–6am; QEII Bridge southbound lane closures 11pm–6am
- May 17–18: West Tunnel northbound closed 10pm–6am; Clockwise slip road at Junction 1A closed 8pm–10pm
- May 18–19: East Tunnel northbound closed 10pm–5am
What Drivers Need to Know
- Diversions: All closures will have clearly signed detours via National Highways or local roads.
- Weather Warnings: Bad weather could cause further travel delays.
- Travel Advice: Allow extra journey time and check the latest traffic updates from 1 and England traffic reports before you hit the road.
Why The Dartford Crossing Matters
The Dartford Crossing links Dartford in Kent to Thurrock in Essex, carrying over 180,000 vehicles each day. Any disruption here sends ripples through the region, hitting commuters, haulage firms, and freight logistics hard.
Expect heavy delays – and plan your route carefully to beat the gridlock.
