Dartford Crossing, River Thames road crossing in Dartford, England

Dartford Crossing is a road crossing of the River Thames between Dartford, Kent, and Thurrock, Essex, formed by two bored tunnels and the cable-stayed Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. The bridge, opened in 1991, has a 450-metre main span and carries southbound traffic, while the two tunnels carry northbound traffic. The crossing is part of the A282 and the M25 route.

The first tunnel opened in 1963 to ease traffic between the two banks of the Thames, followed by a second tunnel in 1980. The bridge was added in 1991 when traffic numbers continued to grow and an extra link became necessary.

The crossing takes its name from Dartford, the Kent town on the south bank, and the road over the Thames is officially called Canterbury Way. The Queen Elizabeth II Bridge was named after the monarch who opened it on 30 October 1991. Drivers pay the Dart Charge by number plate recognition, online or by midnight the following day.

Driving through the tunnels takes place under dimmed lighting, while the bridge offers an open view of the river and the surrounding landscape. Road signs and automatic cameras monitor speed and driver behaviour along the entire section.

The bridge rises higher than many buildings in the area and remains visible from several kilometers away in clear weather. At the same time, the span allows large ships to pass beneath the towers, keeping river traffic moving without interruption.