Junction 1a Dartford works complete

As part of National Highways’ work to reduce congestion and improve safety at the A282 Littlebrook Interchange, our team have recently completed the addition of an extra lane and a dedicated left turn for journeys towards the west tunnel at Dartford.

This involved widening of the A206 between the east and west roundabouts as it goes over the A282, meaning there are now three lanes instead of two.

Whilst widening this carriageway across the bridge, some of the utility services that were buried underneath the existing road required re-rerouting and followed by the installation of a new safety barrier.

Further additions will also improve safety and included:

  • New signage
  • Completed fresh road markings
  • Improvements to the traffic light phasing
  • A new high-friction resurface around the junction to reduce the risk of skidding.

Together these changes will increase capacity at a particularly busy junction whilst making journeys to the Dartford tunnel easier and safer for thousands of commuters and businesses who pass through here every day.

National Highways Project manager, Matthew Feather, said: “We faced several challenges working in such a busy area. The Dartford Crossing sees more than 100,000 journeys every day. To help keep the junction moving, most of our work was carried out under lane closures with some overnight shifts. The warmer temperatures last month meant we were able to complete the final stage of the project in time for the early May Bank Holidays.”

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

  • Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
  • Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
  • Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
  • With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
  • Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
  • For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25