On July 3, 2025, the Dartford Crossing faced a major disruption due to a serious crash. A lorry and a car collided on the northbound Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. The crash caused a large fuel spill that covered all three lanes of the bridge. This forced authorities to close the bridge completely, bringing traffic to a standstill for over 90 minutes.
The Dartford Crossing is a vital link between Kent and Essex. It forms part of the M25 motorway and is one of the busiest crossings in Europe. Any incident here quickly causes widespread traffic problems.The fuel spill made the situation worse, delaying thousands of drivers and creating long queues on both sides of the crossing.
Emergency services responded swiftly. Essex Police and ambulance crews attended the scene. One woman was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The crash and fuel spill required a careful cleanup before the bridge could reopen. The closure lasted several hours, affecting travel plans for many commuters and freight vehicles.
This incident came amid ongoing maintenance work at the Dartford Crossing. National Highways has been conducting regular inspections and repairs, especially on the tunnels and Queen Elizabeth II Bridge.
Several overnight closures have been scheduled for safety checks and steelwork repairs throughout 2025. These works aim to keep the crossing safe and operational but can also cause temporary delays.
For example, routine safety inspections and maintenance of the QEII Bridge were planned for early June 2025, involving overnight closures and contraflow diversions.
The Dartford tunnels have also seen frequent overnight closures to allow for ventilation system maintenance and steelwork repairs. Height restrictions apply during some closures, affecting high-sided vehicles.
Drivers using the Dartford Crossing are advised to check live travel updates regularly. Closure times can change at short notice due to weather or emergency needs. National Highways provides daily closure information and travel alerts to help motorists plan their journeys.
The Dart Crossing change system remains in place as part of efforts to manage traffic flow and fund maintenance. Updates on charges and payment methods are available from the government. The crossing’s importance to UK transport and commerce means that keeping it safe and efficient is a priority.
Although the July 3 crash on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge caused serious disruption at the Dartford Crossing. The fuel spill and bridge closure led to long delays and emergency responses.This happened during a period of ongoing maintenance work aimed at preserving the crossing’s safety. Motorists are urged to stay informed about closures and plan ahead to avoid delays on this critical route.
