DRIVERS are being advised to plan ahead and leave extra time during their journeys due to upcoming overnight closures starting tonight (Thursday 12 October) on the west tunnel at the Dartford Crossing.

 National Highways is continuing its work in the west tunnel weekdays by carrying out maintenance repairs each night to components in the tunnel such as the steelwork, drainage and electrical equipment to help keep journeys safe and reliable.

Tunnel closures include: 

• From Thursday 12 to Friday 13 October, the west tunnel will be closed overnight from 10pm to 5am, 
• From Sunday 15 to Monday 16 October, the east tunnel will be closed from 10:30pm to 5:30am, 
• From Monday 16 to Friday 20 October, the west tunnel will be closed from 10pm to 5am. 

A full closure will then be in place on the QEII bridge for routine bridge safety inspections and maintenance work on Saturday 14 October.

• From Saturday 14 to Sunday 15 October, the QEII bridge will be fully closed from 10pm to 5am. 

National Highways will then carry out weekly safety checks in the east tunnel from 10pm on Sunday 15 October until 5am on Monday 16 October. 

Dartford Crossing diversions include: 

East tunnel – vehicles less than 4.8m (15'-9") high will be diverted via the west tunnel. 

West tunnel – drivers will be diverted via the east tunnel. Vehicles between 4.8m (15'-9") and 5.0m (16'-6") high will be diverted via M25 clockwise. 

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QEII bridge diversion – southbound traffic will be diverted via the east tunnel. Drivers travelling north will be able to use the west tunnel as usual.  

For vehicles between 4.8m (15'-9") and 5.0m (16'-6") high, an alternative diversion will be in place via the M25 clockwise. 

More information can be found on the National Highways website (www.nationalhighways.co.uk/traffic), local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps, or by calling the customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000. Regional X, formally Twitter, services are also available at @HighwaysSEAST.