Dartford Crossing Tunnel Closure: Lorry Strike Causes Major Delays
Table of Contents
A major disruption is impacting travel across the Dartford Crossing as one of the tunnels remains closed Saturday morning following a collision with an oversized lorry. the incident, which occured friday afternoon, has resulted in “extensive damage” to critical infrastructure, according to officials, and is expected to cause significant delays for motorists.
The left tunnel, a vital link carrying traffic under the River Thames from Kent into Essex, is currently shut down while repair crews assess the extent of the damage and begin restoration work.
impact on Travel and Traffic
National Highways confirmed the closure, stating that the lorry exceeded the maximum permissible height for the tunnel.The agency has warned drivers to anticipate lengthy delays and to consider alternative routes.
“The damage caused by the vehicle is substantial, requiring a thorough inspection and repair process,” a senior official stated.”We are working diligently to restore service as quickly and safely as possible, but the complexity of the repairs means the tunnel will likely remain closed throughout Saturday morning.”
Details of the incident
The incident occurred on Friday afternoon at approximately 3:30 PM, tho the exact time was not immediately released. An oversized lorry, while attempting to pass through the tunnel, collided with the tunnel’s ceiling, causing significant structural damage. Authorities have not disclosed the type of goods the lorry was carrying, focusing rather on the structural impact to the tunnel itself. The driver of the lorry was uninjured.
The closure affects traffic flow in both directions, exacerbating congestion on the A282 and surrounding roadways. Motorists are advised to check traffic conditions before traveling and to allow extra time for their journeys.
Repair Timeline and Future Prevention
National Highways estimates the tunnel will remain closed until at least Sunday evening, with a full reopening dependent on the completion of structural assessments and repairs. Repair crews are working around the clock to stabilize the damaged sections and begin the process of restoring the tunnel’s integrity.The agency is evaluating measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, including enhanced height restriction signage and potential technological upgrades to tunnel entry systems, such as improved height detection sensors.
The disruption highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to unforeseen events and underscores the importance of adherence to height restrictions for commercial vehicles. The prolonged closure of the Dartford Crossing tunnel will undoubtedly have a ripple effect on regional transportation networks throughout the weekend. The incident concluded with the lorry being removed from the tunnel late Friday night, allowing engineers to begin their assessment.
