Overnight closures scheduled for Dartford Crossing this weekend for "essential maintenance work"
The crossing between Kent and Essex carries more than 180,000 vehicles every day
The QE2 bridge, which links Essex and Kent, is set to close for overnight "essential maintenance work" this weekend, with more upcoming closures also scheduled.
The bridge will be shut between 10pm on Saturday 17th October and 6am on Sunday 18th October.
Southbound traffic will be diverted via the Dartford East tunnel, with the Dartford West tunnel open for northbound traffic.
More upcoming closures have been announced by National Highways:
- Sunday 18 October: Dartford east tunnel, 10.30pm to 5.30am,
- Monday 19 October to Friday 23 October: Dartford West tunnel, 10pm to 5.30am,
- Saturday 24 October: QEII Bridge closure, 9pm to 9am,
- Sunday 25 October: Dartford east tunnel, 10.30pm to 5.30am,
- Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October: Dartford west tunnel, 10pm to 5.30am,
- Saturday 31 October: QEII Bridge closure, 9pm to 9am,
- Sunday 31 October: Dartford east tunnel, 10pm to 5.30am.
Over 50 million vehicles use the A282 every year according to National Highways.
The busiest days can see up to 180,000 vehicles using the crossing.
Their upcoming work will include:
- Upgrading CCTV and lighting
- Waterproofing
- Maintaining ventilation, electrical and drainage systems
- Replacing tunnel bearings and repairing the concrete tunnel walkways
- Replacing expansion joints on the viaduct
- Replacing the panels which form the tunnel linings
- Carrying out maintenance to the QEII bridge pylons, cable stays and dampers
- Replacing areas of corroded steelwork
- Tile repairs
- Paintwork