Travellers and commuters who utilize the Dartford Crossing, a crucial artery connecting Kent and Essex across the River Thames, should prepare for a series of scheduled tunnel closures throughout this week. The closures, aimed at facilitating essential maintenance works, will impact the Northbound East and West Tunnels during specified overnight hours.
The Northbound East Tunnel is slated for closure from 10 pm to 5:30 am, starting Monday and continuing through Friday. The subsequent closure of the Northbound West Tunnel will occur on Saturday, following the same overnight schedule.
Given the Dartford Crossing’s significance in facilitating daily commutes and transportation across the River Thames, these closures are expected to influence travel plans. As such, appropriate diversions have been established via the National Highways network to accommodate the flow of traffic and minimize disruptions.
Detailed Closure Schedule and Diversions:
- Monday, April 8 – Tuesday, April 9: A282 Northbound Dartford Crossing East Tunnel closed from 10 pm to 5:30 am for maintenance. Traffic will be diverted via the National Highways network.
- Tuesday, April 9 – Wednesday, April 10: Continuation of the East Tunnel closure during the same hours, with diversions in place.
- Wednesday, April 10 – Thursday, April 11: Maintenance works proceed in the East Tunnel, necessitating another night of closures and diversions.
- Thursday, April 11 – Friday, April 12: The maintenance schedule extends into Thursday night, impacting the East Tunnel with the standard diversion route applied.
- Friday, April 12 – Saturday, April 13: The East Tunnel closure extends into the early hours of Saturday, with adjusted times from 11 pm to 6 am.
- Saturday, April 13 – Sunday, April 14: Attention shifts to the Northbound West Tunnel, which will be closed from 10 pm to 5 am for maintenance, with traffic rerouted accordingly.
- Sunday, April 14 – Monday, April 15: The West Tunnel will experience another night of closure for ongoing maintenance, adhering to the established diversion plan.
Motorists are advised to anticipate these changes to their travel schedules and consider the provided diversion routes to navigate around the closures efficiently. While the maintenance works are essential for ensuring the safety and longevity of the Dartford Crossing tunnels, officials aim to minimize inconvenience and maintain smooth traffic flow during this period.
Travellers are encouraged to stay informed on potential updates or changes to the maintenance schedule, especially considering the possibility of adjustments due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. For the latest travel news and updates, motorists can consult the National Highways and local traffic news sources.
