Highways Agency - Safe roads, Reliable journeys, Informed travellers

The Dartford - Thurrock River Crossing

Background - Facts and Figures

Patrol Vehicles

Each patrol vehicle travels at an average of 40,000 miles per annum within the concession area.

Total Bridge Length

The total length of the bridge, including the approach viaducts, is 2,872 metres.

Tunnel Cleaning

The tunnels undergo a regular programme of water jet spray cleaning and have to be washed weekly during the winter months.

Concrete

145,000 cubic metres of reinforced concrete were used in the bridge substructure and approach viaducts.

Replacing the Road Deck

The East Tunnel road deck was replaced at night in prefabricated 45 tonne sections. The tunnel was open to traffic as normal during daytimes throughout the duration of the works.

Main Span

The main span is 450 metres, with the road deck 65 metres above the river providing at least 57.5 metres clearance over the width of the navigational channel.

Air Change

Four ventilation buildings are situated directly above the tunnels. Axial flow fans replace polluted air, which is extracted through large chimneys

Pylons

84 metre high steel pylons are located above 53 metre high concrete piers giving the bridge a total height of 137 metres. From these, the road deck is suspended by cables.

Snow Clearance

Dartford River Crossing has contingencies for keeping the traffic flowing in all weather conditions including heavy snow and ice.

For a bigger and more detailed picture selection why not go to the Photo Gallery?