Hi Pete, When I was a kid my grandad used to take me up to the Dartford Crossing to watch the bridge being built, it always reminds me of him every time I go over it. The left hand tunnel is 15ft 9in and the right hand tunnel is 16ft 6in if I remember right. Also both the outside lanes in both the tunnels are 7.5 ton weight limits, don't forget the Crossing is free between 10pm and 6am at night. When the bridge is shut the right hand tunnel becomes the the Crossing for the clockwise traffic (Essex to kent) The dartford crossing is not part of the M25 its actually the A282. Not all hazardous goods are aloud to be carried through the tunnels it worth checking before you get there, but there's no restrictions for ADR loads over the bridge, also if you're carrying hay or straw it has to be sheeted or covered mate. There's also a free service for cyclists wanting to cross they have to go to one of the Highways Agency's buildings at either side of the Crossing and the Highways officer's take them across with their bikes in a van.
Some tunnels have 1 solid white line in the middle of the road, it doesn’t mention it anywhere in the Highway Code but does it have the same meaning as double white lines in the middle of the road when the line closest to you is solid?
Been through it twice this week. I had one drop in Purfleet & today I dropped off in Thurrock trading estate. Satnav told me to take the left bore both times. I thought it was more to with taking the first exit after the tunnel.
Thanks for this. I might be buying a car from a place in south east London. The most direct route back home is under the Blackwall tunnel (I need to be on the M1 northbound) but having looked on the map that route looks complicated. The simplest route seems to be the long way - the A2 onto the M25. I didn't understand whether I'd take the tunnel or the bridge. Now I know. If I make the journey it'll be a relief when I get onto the M25. It's all plain sailing then. Just sit back and cruise.
I go through every 3 months or so and have only been stopped once. If there is congenstion on approach as there often is, the left 2 lanes are a little bit quicker as so many people move right to let other traffic on. I follow the lorries as they always know the best route.
Just so happens I am parked up at the Thurrock Hotel after going through the left tunnel tonight. The right tunnel was closed. The real reason for the lights is if a hgv higher than 15ft 4 was about to go in the left tunnel. There is a layer barrier which stops all the lights on the left tunnel portal and direct the tall hgv into the DVSA/VOSA paddock then the traffic for the right tunnel is stopped so the tall hgv gets spat out across the carriageways to the right tunnel. Tankers actually have to come off at Dartford on the slip and straight across the roundabout and follow inspection lane.
Be aware, they are currently closing the two right lanes daily from 22:00hrs for maintenance., so if you’re driving a double decker as I often do you won’t get through and can be fined!.., left tunnels are 15’9 max & right tunnels are 16’6 I believe 👍
Lol I watch time to time your very educated regarding self employed n riding thee roads of Britain, I would very much like to chat to privately at some point wen ur not busy , if possible, knowledge is king to wich u have , Ps I use ryt all time then I started random using left , spose it makes it fun wen working for company n making ya hours up to wich it costs them more fuel n trucks not being bk at yard 4 reload, Any way I'm looking to advance self employed , Respect fella
