THE Dartford Crossing is set to shut in just a few days’ time – sparking potential chaos for thousands of drivers.
The full Queen Elizabeth II Bridge closure – a key connection for M25 users – is for routine safety checks and maintenance.
The Dartford Crossing will see numerous closures of the coming weeks[/caption]
It will come into force at 10pm on Saturday April 26 – and lift at 5.30am on Sunday April 27.
However, National Highways has also warned that further disruption can be expected on the QEII Bridge between April and October for painting work.
This will see overnight lane closures on various dates – which are yet to be specified.
However, the agency insisted that most of the work, which is to protect the bridge’s metalwork from corrosion, would be completed without disruption to drivers.
A spokesperson said: “With spring upon us, we’ll soon be resuming our painting work on the QEII Bridge to protect some of its metal components from corrosion.
“The painting will take place between April and October, and we’ll be able to do most of it without disrupting traffic.
“We set up a temporary walkway access for our workers on the offside of the bridge in 2024.
“This will remain in place over the coming years to provide access to most areas that need painting.
“Sometimes, to safely access some of the other areas requiring painting, we’ll need to install overnight lane closures across the bridge between 10pm and 5.30am.
“One lane will remain open across the bridge for traffic when we need to do this.”
QEII Bridge diversion details
- Southbound traffic will be diverted via the east tunnel
- Vehicles less than 4.8m (15‘-9”) high travelling northbound will be able to use the west tunnel as usual
- For vehicles between 4.8m (15‘-9”) and 5.0m (16’-6”) high, an alternative diversion will be in place via the M25 clockwise
During the closures, those travelling southbound will be diverted via the east tunnel.
Meanwhile, those travelling northbound will be able to use the west tunnel – as long as they are less than 4.8m (15‘-9”) in height.
Vehicles over this height will need to follow a separate diversion via the M25 clockwise.
Regular tunnel closures will also continue over the coming weeks – with a list of dates available on National Highways.
It comes after the M25 ground to a halt on Saturday (April 12), following a crash.
Two lanes shut between J29 (Upminster) and J30 (Thurrock) sparking severe delays.
Meanwhile, the A3 closed between the M25 Junction 10 and A3 Wisley interchange over the weekend due to road works – lifting today (April 14).
Upcoming Dartford Crossing closures
- Friday 11 April: Dartford west tunnel, 11pm to 6pm
- Saturday 12 April: Dartford west tunnel, 10pm to 5am
- Sunday 13 April: Dartford east tunnel, 10pm to 5am (no access for vehicles over 4.8m)
- Monday 14 April to Thursday 17 April: Dartford east tunnel, 10pm to 5am (no access for vehicles over 4.8m)
- Tuesday 22 April to Thursday 24 April: Dartford east tunnel, 10pm to 5am (no access for vehicles over 4.8m)
- Friday 25 April: Dartford east tunnel, 11pm to 6am, (no access for vehicles over 4.8m)
- Saturday 26 April: QEII Bridge closure, 10pm to 5am
- Sunday 27 April: Dartford east tunnel, 10pm to 5am (no access for vehicles over 4.8m)
Source: National Highways
A full QEII Bridge closure will come into force on April 26[/caption]
