New animations have been released by the UK Highways Agency showing how the new safety system will operate at the Dartford Crossing.
The videos show how the system that is due to be introduced on the northbound carriageway in May will identify and stop oversized vehicles or those carrying dangerous goods from entering the tunnels.
They also provide clear advice to drivers of these vehicles about getting in the correct lane in plenty of time which will help minimise the number of times vehicles need to be stopped and turned around.
The new system is an important part of speeding up journeys at the Crossing now that Dart Charge is in place and drivers no longer need to stop at barriers to pay.
Construction of the new system began in January. Traffic lights, barriers and electronic message signs will be used to safely stop and turn around any vehicle that is not approaching the tunnel in the correct lane, while keeping disruption to other traffic to a minimum.
The system has already been extensively tested at a disused airfield and further on-road tests will take place before it is introduced in May.
503 Highways Agency Project Director Nigel Gray said: “Safety is a top priority for the Highways Agency. The old payment barriers used to provide us with a way to prevent oversized or dangerous goods vehicles from entering the Dartford tunnels but the introduction of Dart Charge required a new solution. This video shows how the new system will provide the protection needed while keeping disruption to a minimum.”
Despite the improvements, turning back any vehicle will cause some delay. The Highways Agency is working with partners in the haulage industry to make sure the new road layout is widely understood and drivers of dangerous loads and oversize vehicles get into the right lane in good time. The restrictions are also signed on approach to the tunnels, and the Highways Agency has published guidance for these drivers, which is available online. A new leaflet has been produced to help drivers understand what they need to do and is available on <%$Linker:2 External <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-16"?><dictionary /> 0 0 0 oLinkExternal GOV.UK leaflet for drivers false http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dartford-crossing-layout-changes-information-for-drivers-of-goods-vehicles false false %>.
The videos show how the system that is due to be introduced on the northbound carriageway in May will identify and stop oversized vehicles or those carrying dangerous goods from entering the tunnels.
They also provide clear advice to drivers of these vehicles about getting in the correct lane in plenty of time which will help minimise the number of times vehicles need to be stopped and turned around.
The new system is an important part of speeding up journeys at the Crossing now that Dart Charge is in place and drivers no longer need to stop at barriers to pay.
Construction of the new system began in January. Traffic lights, barriers and electronic message signs will be used to safely stop and turn around any vehicle that is not approaching the tunnel in the correct lane, while keeping disruption to other traffic to a minimum.
The system has already been extensively tested at a disused airfield and further on-road tests will take place before it is introduced in May.
Despite the improvements, turning back any vehicle will cause some delay. The Highways Agency is working with partners in the haulage industry to make sure the new road layout is widely understood and drivers of dangerous loads and oversize vehicles get into the right lane in good time. The restrictions are also signed on approach to the tunnels, and the Highways Agency has published guidance for these drivers, which is available online. A new leaflet has been produced to help drivers understand what they need to do and is available on <%$Linker:
