Northbound Dartford Crossing tunnel expected to remain closed today as repairs continue following extensive damage to critical safety systems.
Drivers using the northbound Dartford Crossing are being advised to plan their journeys and allow extra time to travel as one of the two northbound tunnels is expected to remain closed today as extensive repairs to the tunnel’s safety systems continue.
This follows an incident which occurred just before midday yesterday (Fri 23 Jan) when an oversized heavy goods vehicle travelled through tunnel causing extensive and widespread damage to critical systems that support the safe operation of the tunnel.
The closure affects the left (west) tunnel on the A282 between J1a (Littlebrook Interchange at Dartford) and J31 (Purfleet-on-Thames/West Thurrock).
Since the incident, teams of engineers have been on site working in overlapping shift patterns to assess and repair the damage to the safety infrastructure, but the extent of this means the tunnel is likely to remain closed throughout today.
Amy Breeze, Duty Manager at National Highways, said: “We understand the disruption this closure has on those planning on using the northbound Dartford Crossing, and I can assure you we are continuing to work at pace and utilise all the resources we have to address this issue and get the damaged tunnel reopened as soon as it is safe to do so.
“The damage is extensive and runs the tunnel’s entire length of 0.8 miles, affecting the ventilation fans, the lighting, CCTV and the fire suppression system.
“Our number one priority is the safety of those using our road network and until we can safely operate the tunnel it will remain closed. I would urge anyone planning on using the one remaining northbound tunnel allow extra time to complete their journey or consider an alternative route.”
Updates on the repair will continue to be posted on the National Highways South East X account and the Travel Alerts section of the National Highways website.