Well yes, Blackwall tunnel is ok on a clear road but none of the suggested alternatives is going to be quicker than sitting in the traffic at the Dartford crossing. If there is a serious holdup you can be sure the alternative routes will be stuffed.
The best way to do it is plan your travel for late night/early hours or middle of day otherwise it's pot luck. It's fair to say that even at peak times delays are usually only 10-20mins or less unless there is a partly blocked road due to accident or roadworks.
Quote: Originally posted by Val A on 04/10/2016
Yes, and it's worse! Don't do it. Certainly not when trying to get back to Leeds. We use the A1 in preference to the M1 - less roadworks and an overall quicker journey if you use the M11/A14/A1.
Generally there is less congestion now than there used to be, because the toll booths no longer slow things down (though this wasn't the case last weekend when we came back from France).
Hi Val. alternative to the m11/m25 route is the A120 to Chelmsford, then a12/130/13 which brings you out at Thurrock ? its prob about the same in time, but its an alternative route in case of traffic problems. You could then use the A13, Blackwall tunnel, A2 to avoid Dartford crossing. that will ADD journey time, but if Dartford crossing is a problem, its an option
ps, whenever I go back up't'th'north, I ALWAYS use the A1 !
Quote: Originally posted by MisterB1959 on 30/10/2016
Quote: Originally posted by Val A on 04/10/2016
Yes, and it's worse! Don't do it. Certainly not when trying to get back to Leeds. We use the A1 in preference to the M1 - less roadworks and an overall quicker journey if you use the M11/A14/A1.
Generally there is less congestion now than there used to be, because the toll booths no longer slow things down (though this wasn't the case last weekend when we came back from France).
Hi Val. alternative to the m11/m25 route is the A120 to Chelmsford, then a12/130/13 which brings you out at Thurrock ? its prob about the same in time, but its an alternative route in case of traffic problems. You could then use the A13, Blackwall tunnel, A2 to avoid Dartford crossing. that will ADD journey time, but if Dartford crossing is a problem, its an option
ps, whenever I go back up't'th'north, I ALWAYS use the A1 !
Post last edited on 30/10/2016 09:24:40
We have used the Blackwall tunnel twice on recent trips, because we've stayed overnight at our son's house in east London. Whilst it's fine going south on an early morning when there is no traffic, I wouldn't like to recommend it at certain other times - having tried it previously!! The problem is that traffic problems can arise quickly, and you don't always know about them enough in advance to be able to change routes to suit the traffic conditions (despite traffic warnings on the radio, and on the SatNav).
This extract from years ago may help. I use it if there are reports of delays on M25
Quote: Originally posted by welshwyn on 19/8/2009
Just thought, best way to avoid M25 heading towards bridge, do as other's have said use A14 then down M11, but do not turn off onto M25, carry on down M11 until the end and then branch off onto the A406 (North circular) heading towards south, follow signs for city airport, when you reach bottom of A406, you will see signs for A13 east bound, which will be signposted M25, Dartford etc. Keep to left inside feeder lane and take the A13 and then just follow signs for M25 and Dartford crossing. This will bring you out just before the bridge and will save loads of time if there are any queues. In fact it's the route I always use now as I find it quicker than using the M25
I've used that several times now - Thanks Welshwyn - and can vouch for it being excellent and avoids the dreaded M25
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Thought the idea of taking away the toll booths that there would be no congestion? Southbound great, northbound ,stay in either of the two right hand lanes through the tunnel and you avoid the traffic lights which let the tankers through. Complete cock up of road planning in my honest opinion but there you go
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Topic: How to avoid dartford crossing?
