The Dartford Crossing is expected to be closed for at least seven hours this weekend as drivers prepare for potential standstill traffic and road chaos.
The planned closure of the QEII Bridge will take place between 10pm and 5am on Saturday, February 24, and 10pm and 5am on Sunday, February 25.
While the bridge closures are in place, drivers are advised to keep up-to-date with the latest travel advice and plan their journey carefully.
The west-bore tunnel however is expected to remain open for north-bound traffic heading into London.
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The Dartford Crossing carries over 50 million vehicles a year
PA
A contraflow diversion will be installed through the east-bore tunnel to allow southbound traffic to continue to cross from Essex to Kent.
The closures form part of National Highways maintenance plans for the bridge which have been ongoing since last Summer.
For vehicles between 4.8 metres and five metres high, an alternative diversion will be in place via the M25 clockwise.
The Government agency has been working in the west-bore tunnel at night to conduct repairs to the tunnel’s ventilation systems, drainage, steelwork and pipework.
They have also been working on the cabinets, railings and electrical equipment and the re-waterproofing of the carriageway as it runs through the tunnel.
The Dartford Crossing, also known as the A282, connects directly at both ends with the M25 London Orbital Motorway, one of the busiest motorways in Europe.
It carries over 50 million vehicles a year and has been designed to handle 135,000 vehicles a day, but often carries the new average of 150,000 a day and up to 180,000 vehicles during busier periods.
National Highways said: “We’re carrying out an extensive programme of repairs and maintenance work over the next several years to keep journeys safe and reliable for road users.
“To keep disruption to a minimum, we carry out our work overnight, typically between the hours of 10pm and 6am.”
The crossing costs £2.50 for cars, motorhomes and minibuses, while buses, coaches, vans and other goods vehicles are charged a minimum of £3 in toll fees.
The toll is in action between 6am and 10pm every day including weekends and bank holidays.
Drivers must pay the fee before midnight on the day after using it or could face a fine of up to £105 for each crossing.
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Drivers could face a fine of up to £105 for not paying the fee
PA
Recent data found that toll roads around the UK generated a daily estimated revenue of £339,488, resulting in an annual revenue of over £123million.
One of the busiest routes in the UK, the M6 Mainline, charges van owners £15.30 to drive the 27-mile distance, in addition to £3.39 cost of fuel for a total cost of £18.69.
