Dartford Crossing congestion highlighted in new animation

One of the UK’s most vital transport links, the Dartford Crossing is the only road crossing of the River Thames east of London.

It connects key ports, distribution hubs and manufacturing centres, with almost 40 per cent of vehicles using it carrying goods. 

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It also keeps supermarket shelves stocked and supply chains moving, as it transports 70 per cent of all goods arriving at the Port of Dover. 

However, it is also one of the country's most congested roads.

Designed for 135,000 vehicles per day, the crossing is now operating over capacity and is regularly used by more than 150,000 vehicles per day. 

More than 180,000 vehicles use the Dartford Crossing on its busiest days – expected to be the norm by 2041 as demand continues to rise.   

Data shows that Fridays at the Dartford Crossing see sustained high volumes of traffic and congestion, from mid-morning well into the evening.   

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On a typical day the levels of congestion means: 

• 95 per cent northbound journeys in the evening peak are delayed 
• Almost two out of three northbound journeys between 4pm and 5pm take twice as long as they should 
• During the northbound evening peak, on average 3 times every month a journey will take at least 5 times longer than it should  

Congestion at Dartford on a typical Friday. Photo: National Highways

Matt Palmer, executive director, Lower Thames Crossing, said: "There has never been a more urgent need to address the problems at Dartford Crossing and keep the UK economy moving. 

"The best and only solution is the Lower Thames Crossing – it will take over 13 million vehicles off the Dartford Crossing each year, meaning journeys across the River Thames will become quicker, more reliable and less stressful. 

"The benefits will be felt by businesses and individuals alike as new opportunities open up, as a result of reliable journeys. 

"Our economy will receive a much needed boost, as the Lower Thames Crossing will allow businesses the certainty they need to operate and grow and for people to access jobs on both sides of the Thames."

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Proposed northern tunnel entrance approach, looking south. Photo: National Highways

The Lower Thames Crossing will almost double road capacity across the Thames east of London and take 13 million vehicles off the Dartford Crossing every year to ease congestion and improve air quality in the region, National Highways says.

It claims it will create a reliable new free flowing link, able to be used by all types of vehicles including Dangerous Goods Vehicles (DGVs) and oversized vehicles, which are currently constrained at Dartford Crossing.

National Highways intends to submit its Development Consent Order for the Lower Thames Crossing later this year.