19/04/2023
Over 30 years ago…
The Dartford Bridge, which was opened by The Queen on 30th October 1991 when it became the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, is seen here under construction in 1990.
The toll booths were collecting tolls from traffic using the Dartford Tunnel which had first opened as a two-lane, two-way tunnel in 1963 before a second tunnel was eventually opened in 1980.
With the opening of the bridge, vehicles now use the tunnels when travelling northbound and the bridge going southbound.
The crossing, although not officially designated a motorway, is considered part of the London Orbital Motorway, the M25.
Photo by Richard Baker.
