Dartford Crossing QEII Bridge to shut this weekend - full diversion route explained

The Dartford Crossing's QEII Bridge is bracing for another full closure, set to disrupt journeys this coming weekend. The vital link between Essex and Kent - used by thousands of Londoners each day - continues to be impacted by ongoing roadworks, with a series of tunnel closures planned over the next week.

After a brief pause during the August Bank Holiday weekend, National Highways is back at the Dartford Crossing to resume maintenance works. Following a weekend of tunnel closures, the west tunnel is due to close each night this week for repairs and inspections.

The first round of closures will take place from 10pm to 5.30am each night from Monday, September 9 to Thursday, September 12. Then on Friday, September 13, the west tunnel will close again, but this time from 11pm to 6am.

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National Highways will carry out scheduled steelwork inspections in the west tunnel and replace tunnel bearings during these closures. Unfortunately for road users, disruption will continue over the weekend with a full closure of the QEII scheduled for Saturday night, starting from 10pm.

No vehicles will be able to cross the bridge for a full seven hours, but the crossing is expected to re-open at 5am on Sunday, September 15. An overnight closure of the east tunnel will then follow from Sunday night into Monday morning, between 10pm to 5am, according to Essex Live.

Full diversion route

QEII Bridge

While the bridge is out of action, southbound traffic will be rerouted through the east tunnel. Northbound vehicles under 4.8m (15'-9") high can use the west tunnel as normal, while those between 4.8m (15'-9") and 5.0m (16'-6") high will have a detour in place via the M25 clockwise.

West tunnel

When the west tunnel is closed, motorists will be redirected through the east tunnel.

East tunnel

Lastly, when the east tunnel is closed, vehicles under 4.8m (15'-9") high will be rerouted through the west tunnel. Meanwhile, vehicles between 4.8m (15'-9") and 5.0m (16'-6") high will be redirected via M25 clockwise.

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