Dartford Crossing
Dartford Crossing
Live incidents and closures on the Dartford Crossing (the A282 tunnels and the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge) and the M25 junctions either side, with tonight's closures and the Dart Charge.
4 incidents at the Dartford Crossing now
Covers the A282 and the M25 at junctions 1A, 1B, 30 and 31. Checked at 14:16, from official sources.
Now 4
- M25Incidentanticlockwise
M25 near J30, anticlockwise: Queue caution
Since Mon 12 Oct, 13:58
Shown on National Highways signs (M25 anti-clockwise within J30): "QUEUE CAUTION".
National Highways · updated 19 min ago
- M25Incidentanticlockwise
M25 near J16 to J1A, anticlockwise: Congestion caution
Since Mon 12 Oct, 13:36
Shown on National Highways signs (M25 anti-clockwise within J16 before M40 J1A northbound exit): "CONGESTION CAUTION".
National Highways · updated 40 min ago
- M25Incidentclockwise
M25 near J16 to J1A, clockwise: Queue ahead
Since Mon 12 Oct, 10:32
Shown on National Highways signs (M25 clockwise within J16 before M40 J1A southbound exit): "QUEUE AHEAD".
National Highways · updated 3 h ago
- M25Incidentclockwise
M25 near J16 to J1A, clockwise: Queue caution
Since Mon 12 Oct, 08:53
Shown on National Highways signs (M25 clockwise within J16 after M40 J1A southbound exit): "QUEUE CAUTION".
National Highways · updated 5 h ago
Planned closures 2
- A282Full closureanticlockwise
A282 Dartford Crossing, anticlockwise
Starts Mon 12 Oct, overnight 21:00–05:30
A282 Northbound Dartford Crossing West Tunnel closure
National Highways · updated 14 min ago
- M25Lane closureclockwise
M25 J30, clockwise
Starts Mon 12 Oct, overnight 22:00–05:30
M25 Clockwise Jct 30 exit slip lane 1 closure
National Highways · updated 14 min ago
How the crossing works
The Dartford Crossing links Essex and Kent and completes the M25, but it is not motorway: it is the A282 trunk road. Northbound traffic uses the two tunnels; southbound traffic uses the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge.
The bridge closes in high winds. Southbound traffic then goes through the east tunnel, which has a height limit of 5.03 metres, while northbound traffic stays in the west tunnel. Capacity drops and queues build on both sides.
The Dart Charge
| Car (class B) | Charge |
|---|---|
| One-off payment | £3.50 |
| Pay as you go account | £3.50 |
| Pre-pay account | £2.80 |
Charged 6am to 10pm every day, including weekends and bank holidays; free from 10pm to 6am. Pay by midnight the day after you cross, online or by phone: there are no barriers.
Questions
- Is the Dartford Crossing closed today?
- No full closure is reported at the crossing right now. Check the planned closures above for tonight.
- How much is the Dartford Crossing?
- For a car, £3.50 as a one-off payment or with a pay-as-you-go account, and £2.80 with a pre-pay account. It applies from 6am to 10pm and must be paid by midnight the day after you cross.
- What happens when the QEII Bridge closes in high winds?
- Southbound traffic is sent through the east tunnel (height limit 5.03 metres) and northbound traffic stays in the west tunnel, so the crossing stays open at reduced capacity.
See also
Sources
- Pay the Dartford Crossing charge· GOV.UK
- Dartford Crossing charges· GOV.UK
- The Dartford Crossing· National Highways
- Dartford Crossing closure due to wind (EIR response)· Highways England
Facts checked on .