The Dartford crossing is one of the busiest estuary crossings in the UK, carrying the M25 traffic across the mouth of the Thames. Actually, that's under and over the Thames, as this crossing has been built in stages. Things started as long ago as 1929, when Kent and Essex County Councils promoted a Bill for the construction of a tunnel. A pilot tunnel was authorised in 1936 and completed in 1938. The Second World War prevented construction of the main tunnel and the plans were put on ice until 1955. The first tunnel eventually opened in 1963, and was known as the Dartford tunnel. As congestion grew, a second tunnel was built, and opened in 1980. But all hell broke loose with the completion of the M25 access roads in 1986, which created a surge in traffic and a reputation for fearsome congestion at peak times. (The road across the bridge and through the tunnel is technically not part of the M25, to allow other traffic through it - including, amazingly, bicycles and pedestrians: these are taken across in a special shuttle.) To relieve the congestion, the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge was built alongside and opened in 1991. This is a four lane bridge, which compliments the two twin-lane tunnels, providing four lanes across in each direction. Normally, the tunnels carry northbound traffic and the bridge the southbound, but if the bridge is closed - for bad weather, for example, the tunnels can revert to functioning as a dual carriageway. The toll plazas are on the south side. The bridge is truly impressive - a landmark for miles around. It is a cable-stayed suspension bridge, with a central span of 450 m (1,476 ft), which provides a clearance of 57.5 m for ships (213 ft) above the Thames. With the approach spans, the bridge is just under 2.9km long (1.8miles), and the main piers are 137m (450ft) high. On the northern side, a new addition is the viaduct for the High Speed Train line from the Channel Tunnel to St Pancras International, which crosses under the bridge approach but over the tunnel exit. Pedestrians and bicycles are carried free on the shuttle: motorcycles also go free, and must use the green 'pay' lanes. All other vehicles must pay a toll: a new charging regime comes into effect on 15th November, with free crossings at night to encourage off-peak use. Regular users can take advantage of the automatic 'Dart Tag', which operates on a pre-pay system, and also allows for certain exemptions, for example for local residents. See: http://www.dart-tag.co.uk for details. Although I've used the tunnel several times, the other weekend was the first time I had used the bridge. It's much more impressive - the views are excellent, although a potential distraction from watching the road ahead (and note that traffic often queues across the bridge for tolls, so be warned). During the day it is always busy, so allow 10-15 minutes at least to queue, and rather longer at peak times. And finally, some interesting but useless statistics: the crossing was used by over 53 million vehicles in 2007-08, averaging 145,000 a day, with over 176,000 on the busiest day. Since the crossing was opened in 1963, the total number of vehicles using it (to 31st March 2008) is an amazing 1,183,475,859! read more

I agree with all of the above, this is something that was meant to be gone once it made the money it cost, well they have made it over and over and over again. The crossing is always busy and there is no real route on the other side people make a mad dash cutting across traffic to make it into one of 2 tunnels, it's like a rat race. read more

Speaking as someone living in Kent and travelling to Essex quite often, the Dartford Crossing is the only way to go - the only alternative being driving right into town then out again to the east. I can't say that it isn't without its faults. Quite often there is heavy congestion one way or another, but on a good day, it's really quick and easy with either pay and go services or pay an attendant (if you don't have the change). That being said, I am really dismayed at the news that they are increasing the toll for cars to £1.50 from £1 - and this on a crossing that was to be free once it was paid for. It's been paid for over and over again and selling it off just makes it ripe for taking more money (now known as Le Crossing). read more

Have to agree with what has been said by Kellemar, I live in essex and regularly travel to Kent and this is the easiest way to go. I cannot stand going blackwall tunnel and it takes an extra 20 mins or so anyway - definatly the Dartford all the time. I havent been through at rush hour although i can imagine that it could get rather congested as i have been through at times where it has been rather slow. Also - it closes in high winds, which is understandable but very inconvenient at times! I am suprised they are increasing prices too! - first i heard TBH, i though £1 was a bit silly now, especially as it wa sonly to pay for the bridge, which has clearly been done. I dont understand why bikes are free either? And all other vehicles are cheaper 'off peak' except for cars? Find that a bit strange, but the crossing booths are fairly fast, the auto tolls are great - its only when you get stuck behind someone with no money/change that it causes serious delays! read more

I travel through the Darford Crossing from Kent to Essex on my comute to work. I travel during the rush hour (8.15am) and have to say it is not as busy going in this direction. I always see the traffic queueing in the opposite direction on a daily basis. The time I am likely to queue is returning home (Essex to Kent). There is usually heavy traffic on the M25b from the Lakeside junction. Strangely I tend to find it much busier after the rush hour as there seems to be a tailback of lorries on the road. The toll fees have just increased from £1 to £1.50 for cars, which is a huge increase. However, I would recommend purchasing a Dart Tag for regular journeys as the cost is £1. There is a £10 one off admin fee but if you make regular journeys this still works out cheaper. read more

The Dartford crossing is the quickest way to travel from Kent to Essex and vice versa. Because of the tolls there is usually heavy congestion during the rush hour. When the crossing opened in 1963 there was only one tunnel with two way traffic the second tunnel was built in 1980 allowing one way traffic in each. When the QE2 bridge was opened by the Queen in 1991 it made a vast improvement to the traffic flow. Unfortunately this has got steadily worse over the years due to the sheer increase of vehicles on the road. read more

Agree with all of the above. I live in Essex and quite often mainly at the weekends, i am crossing the bridge to see family and friends in kent. Best way of getting there. read more