Dartford bridge from the river thames
The Dartford Crossing joins Dartford and Thurrock across the River Thames. It effectively forms part of London's orbital M25 motorway, but technically, however, the M25 is not a complete circle: it ends shortly before the crossing on each side of the river. The crossing itself is the A282. Since its opening in 1963, the crossing has been expanded several times to cope with increased traffic: First tunnel opened 1963 Second tunnel opened 1980 M25 access completed 1986 Queen Elizabeth II Bridge opened 1991 Prior to the opening of the bridge in 1991, the crossing was usually referred to as the "Dartford Tunnel". Southbound traffic uses the Queen Elizabeth II bridge, a four-lane cable-stayed bridge designed by Sir William Halcrow & Partners Ltd, while northbound traffic uses a pair of two-lane tunnels. Before the bridge was built, the two tunnels carried traffic in opposite directions (and still do on occasions when the bridge has to be closed due to high winds). Dartford is the town nearest the crossing on the south bank of the river. The area around the north bank of the crossing is called West Thurrock. There are no footpaths or cyclepaths either in the tunnels or on the bridge. Cyclists and pedestrians have a free shuttle service operated by the crossing's staff. Motorcycles cross at no charge, all other vehicles must pay a toll. Tolls for both directions of travel are collected at toll plazas on the south side of the crossing.
Size: 4006px × 6009px
Location: Dartford Kent
Photo credit: © Ian Goodrick / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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