Dartford Crossing overnight closures begin 15 August 2026
National Highways confirms weekend tunnel closures for essential maintenance work on the A282
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National Highways will close the Dartford Crossing’s west tunnel overnight on 15 August 2026 for essential maintenance. The tunnel will shut at 10 pm and reopen at 5.30 am the following morning. The east tunnel follows on 16 August, closing at 10.30 pm and reopening at 5.30 am, with height restrictions barring vehicles over 4.8 metres.
The closures form part of a long-term repair programme on the A282 and QEII Bridge. National Highways said the work targets jet fans and lighting systems inside the tunnels. The crossing currently handles up to 180,000 vehicles daily, exceeding its original design capacity of 135,000.
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Further closures until 23 August
National Highways has confirmed additional overnight closures through the following week. The west tunnel will close nightly from 17 to 20 August between 10 pm and 5.30 am. On 21 August, it shuts at 11 pm and reopens at 6 am, with height restrictions in place. The west tunnel closes again on 22 August from 10 pm to 5.30 am, and the east tunnel on 23 August from 10.30 pm to 5.30 am, both with 4.8-metre height limits.
The Dartford Crossing consists of two 1.4-kilometre tunnels for northbound traffic and the QEII Bridge for southbound journeys. It links the M25 between Essex and Kent and serves as the only road crossing east of London over the Thames. National Highways describes it as a critical part of the region’s road network.
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What drivers should do
National Highways advised drivers to check its daily closures page before travelling. The page lists current incidents, disruptions and delays across its network. A spokesperson said travel alerts provide details of high-priority incidents. Closure times may change at short notice, the agency warned.
Questions this report answers
+Why is the Dartford Crossing closing overnight?
National Highways is carrying out essential maintenance on the tunnels’ jet fans and lighting systems. The work is part of a long-term repair programme to ensure the crossing remains safe and reliable for the 180,000 vehicles using it daily.
+Which dates will the Dartford tunnels be closed?
The west tunnel closes from 10 pm on 15 August 2026, and the east tunnel from 10.30 pm on 16 August. Further overnight closures continue until 23 August, with some nights including height restrictions for vehicles over 4.8 metres.
+What should drivers do before using the Dartford Crossing?
National Highways advises checking its daily closures page for updates. Closure times may change at short notice, and the page lists current disruptions, delays and high-priority incidents across the network.
+How many vehicles use the Dartford Crossing each day?
The crossing handles up to 180,000 vehicles daily, exceeding its original design capacity of 135,000. It is the only road crossing over the Thames east of London and links the M25 between Essex and Kent.
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