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Expect delays at Dartford Crossing, Logistics UK warns members
Overnight closures beginning this weekend are likely to exacerbate delays on the Dartford Crossing, Logistics UK has said.
From Sunday 3 April 2022, extensive maintenance and repair works on the Dartford Crossing will mean the higher bore northbound east tunnel (on the right hand side) from Kent to Essex will be closed between 10pm and 5am during weeknights and Sunday nights.
It is understood that the repairs relate to CCTV, lighting replacement surveys, tunnel walkway repairs, and expansion joint replacements on the viaduct at the tunnel exit.
According to National Highways, a clearly signed diversion will be in place via the M25 clockwise during closures of the east tunnel. Drivers of high-sided vehicles between 4.8m (15’ 9”) and 5m (16’ 6”) in height are advised to plan their journeys accordingly if travelling overnight in the area. Vehicles that are 4.8m or less in height will be able to continue to use the crossing by staying in lanes 1 and 2 and using the northbound west (left hand side) tunnel to cross from Kent into Essex.
Additional overnight west tunnel closures are planned during spring and summer 2022. Further work within the east tunnel is then scheduled to resume from November 2022.
Heidi Skinner, Policy Manager – South, Logistics UK, said: “The Dartford Crossing is a notorious pinch point on the Strategic Road Network. Originally designed to carry 135,000 vehicles a day, today the crossing frequently sees upwards of 180,000 daily journeys.
“While these closures are not welcome news, Logistics UK and its members recognise that essential maintenance must be performed on such a crucial and well used part of the road infrastructure. During the work we urge members using the crossing to plan their routes accordingly, particularly if travelling overnight between Kent and Essex. It is important to remember, however, that low-sided vehicles can continue to use the crossing by using the west tunnel. We will maintain a watching brief on the situation and will inform members as soon as there are any further developments to report.”
*www.logistics.org.uk/road
Published On: 31/03/2022 16:00:37
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