Dartford Crossing to close for vital bridge repairs over next two weeks as drivers face travel mayhem

The QEII bridge is used for southbound traffic, while motorists heading northbound make use of two 1.4-km-long tunnels.

Between Monday, October 14, and Thursday, October 17, the Dartford west tunnel is closed between 10pm and 5.30am for maintenance.

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The roadworks are being undertaken between the A282 J1a and the M25 J2 (southbound) with National Highways to carry out the second stage of essential concrete and steelwork repairs.

The Dartford Crossing is designed to handle 135,000 vehicles per day, but the average is now 150,000 a day. On the busiest days, up to 180,000 vehicles use it.

National Highways has outlined an extensive programme of repairs and maintenance work over the next several years to "keep journeys safe and reliable for road users".

The next two weeks will see multiple closures, potentially preventing motorists from reaching their destination.

Upcoming Dartford Crossing closures

• Friday, October 18: Dartford west tunnel, 11pm to 6am
• Saturday, October 19: QEII Bridge closure, 10pm to 5am
• Sunday, October 20: Dartford east tunnel closure, 10pm to 5am (no access for vehicles over 4.8m)
• Monday 21 to Thursday October 24: Dartford west tunnel, 10pm to 5.30am
• Friday, October 25: Dartford west tunnel, 11pm to 6am
• Saturday, October 26: Dartford west tunnel, 10pm to 5am
• Sunday, October 27: Dartford east tunnel closure, 10pm to 5am (no access for vehicles over 4.8m)

A clearly signed diversion will be in place for motorists to navigate around the maintenance without having to abandon their journey completely.

Drivers can travel via the A282 junction 1a, the A206 Crossways Boulevard eastbound, the B255 southbound and the A2 westbound, re-joining the M25 at junction 2.

Other upgrades to the network include upgrading CCTV and lighting, waterproofing and maintaining ventilation, electrical and drainage systems.

National Highways also replaces tunnel bearings, expansion joints on the viaduct and the panels which form the tunnel linings.

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Motorcycles, mopeds and quad bikes are free to travel through the Dartford Crossing without paying, while cars, motorhomes and minibuses must pay £2.50 or £2 if they have an account.

Buses, coaches, vans and other goods vehicles must also pay the charges. Vehicles with two axles pay £3 (£2.63 with an account), while vehicles with two or more axles pay £6 (£5.19 with an account).