THE Dartford Crossing celebrates its 60th birthday on Saturday (18 Nov), and a vintage car parade and historical images found in the archive of Dartford Crossing have been released by National Highways today (Friday 17 November).
Ten cars from the South Eastern Vintage and Classic Vehicle Club in Essex took part in the parade, with cars dating back as far as the 1930s, when construction on the Dartford Crossing first started. A Hydrogen Electric HGV from Tilbury-based Tevva led the procession, representing the fuels and vehicles of the future. Cars included a Buick Series 40 Phaeton and an MG PA (midget) from the 1930s and a 35th Anniversary Edition Mini from the 1990s. The parade was waved off into the tunnel by Cllr Jeremey Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council.
The Dartford Crossing is the only road across the River Thames east of London. Prior to its opening on 18 November 1963, anyone wanting to travel between Kent and Essex had to take a ferry or use the Blackwall tunnel. Today it is one of the UK’s most important transport routes, that carries over 50 million vehicles a year between some of the country’s biggest ports and distribution hubs. Over 40% of vehicles travelling on it carry goods – a higher percentage than any other road on the strategic road network.
Speaking about the importance of the Dartford Crossing, Francis Cluett, Head of Delivery in National Highways, said:
“It is important to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first tunnel. It was an amazing engineering achievement at the time and had a huge impact on the communities either side of the Thames.”
“Before it opened, the only means of crossing was by ferries – the tunnel has provided vital connections between people, jobs, and businesses for 60 years. Huge numbers of people have contributed over that time in planning, building, managing and maintaining the tunnel and it is time to recognize their achievement.”
“We are working hard to ensure that the tunnel and other parts of the Dartford Crossing remain safe and operational for years to come.”
Over the last 60 years the Dartford Crossing has played a vital role in bringing prosperity to the region, bringing new opportunities and jobs within reach of those living in Kent and Essex.
| The Dartford Crossing turns 60 years old tomorrow (18 November 2023) Over 1 billion vehicles estimated to have used the crossing since it opened in November 1963 Vintage car procession included classic cars from the last six decades, and a hydrogen powered HGV of the future Historical images from crossing archive show the tunnel being built in the 1960s, the royal opening of the QE2 bridge and a dinosaur on the move The first and only river crossing to the east of London transformed the region by creating new opportunities for local communities and a direct trade route The Dartford Crossing celebrates its 60th birthday on Saturday (18 Nov), and a vintage car parade and historical images found in the archive of Dartford Crossing have been released by National Highways today (Friday 17 November).  Ten cars from the South Eastern Vintage and Classic Vehicle Club in Essex took part in the parade, with cars dating back as far as the 1930s, when construction on the Dartford Crossing first started. A Hydrogen Electric HGV from Tilbury-based Tevva led the procession, representing the fuels and vehicles of the future. Cars included a Buick Series 40 Phaeton and an MG PA (midget) from the 1930s and a 35th Anniversary Edition Mini from the 1990s. The parade was waved off into the tunnel by Cllr Jeremey Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council. The Dartford Crossing is the only road across the River Thames east of London. Prior to its opening on 18 November 1963, anyone wanting to travel between Kent and Essex had to take a ferry or use the Blackwall tunnel. Today it is one of the UK’s most important transport routes, that carries over 50 million vehicles a year between some of the country’s biggest ports and distribution hubs. Over 40% of vehicles travelling on it carry goods – a higher percentage than any other road on the strategic road network. Speaking about the importance of the Dartford Crossing, Francis Cluett, Head of Delivery in National Highways, said: “It is important to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first tunnel. It was an amazing engineering achievement at the time and had a huge impact on the communities either side of the Thames.” “Before it opened, the only means of crossing was by ferries – the tunnel has provided vital connections between people, jobs, and businesses for 60 years. Huge numbers of people have contributed over that time in planning, building, managing and maintaining the tunnel and it is time to recognize their achievement.” “We are working hard to ensure that the tunnel and other parts of the Dartford Crossing remain safe and operational for years to come.” Over the last 60 years the Dartford Crossing has played a vital role in bringing prosperity to the region, bringing new opportunities and jobs within reach of those living in Kent and Essex.   Caption: (left to right) A dinosaur 45ft long travelled through the Dartford tunnel in January 1973. Nine-year-old, Glen Martin officially opening the second Dartford Tunnel by cutting a ribbon. With him are R.G.R Daniels (left), chairman of the Dartford Tunnel Joint Committee, and the committee vice chairman, Mr M.H Pym. The idea of a tunnel connecting Kent and Essex was first conceived in 1926. Works started in the 1930s but were paused due to World War II. Construction resumed in 1959, with the first, western tunnel opening in 1963. Initially only 12,000 vehicles per day used the crossing, in stark contrast to today with more than 150,000 using the route on an average day and 180,000 on its busiest days. Over the past 60 years the volume and type of traffic using the route is unrecognisable. In 1963 the most popular car was the Austin Morris 1100, which was a fraction of the size, weight and power of modern cars. Today’s HGVs are significantly longer, taller, and heavier than the goods vehicles of the day and the Dartford Crossing now has to contend with 10,000 abnormal loads each year. This change in vehicles and volumes means there is a huge daily effort to keep traffic moving, while also maintaining the structure to ensure it can cope with modern day demands. Regarding the issue of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), Stuart Cottrell, Head of Energy Services and Government Partnerships at Tevva, said: “Tevva is on a mission to decarbonise trucking, developing a range of battery-electric and hydrogen-electric medium-duty trucks that reduce emissions, improve air quality and eliminate range anxiety. As a close neighbour of the Lower Thames Crossing, we can’t wait to see our trucks on the new road connecting Essex and Kent, helping the movement of goods in the quickest and most efficient ways possible.” |
