Update: Impact of Storm Darragh on the Strategic Road Network

The current impact on the strategic road network is as follows:

• QEII Bridge at Dartford closed

Around 5am wind speeds of 55mph were detected meaning the bridge was closed for safety reasons. All southbound traffic is currently being diverted through the East Bore of the Dartford Tunnel. There is a height limit of 15ft 9in for traffic using the Dartford Tunnel northbound which is continuing to use the West Bore. Vehicles above that height are being diverted back round the M25

• Both Severn crossings between England and Wales have closed overnight

At 10.30pm last night Fri (6 Dec) the M48 Severn Crossing was closed and this was followed with the closure of the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge around 1.45am this morning. Gusts in excess of 70mph were recorded in the Severn Estuary. Traffic heading to Wales are advised to use the M5 and M50.

•  A66 closure between Scotch Corner in North Yorkshire and Augill Beck in Cumbria

With an amber weather warning in place for the Northwest of the country a decision was made to close the high-lying route for safety reasons from 7am this morning. Road users travelling across the Pennines are advised to plan ahead and consider alternate routes such as the A69.

• A34 closure in Hampshire

At 10.30pm last night (Fri 6 Dec) an emergency closure was put in place between junction 9, near Winchester, to the junction with the A272 at Three Maids Hill. This is to allow emergency work to remove trees close to the carriageway which present a potential safety risk to the public with current high winds. The closure is expected to remain in place throughout the weekend.

• The A5 remains closed in Shropshire

Around 4.30am the road was closed between the B5070 (Gledrid) and A483 (Halton) due to high winds, particularly around the exposed Ceiriog viaduct.

Road users can find the latest updates and diversion routes by visiting National Highways Travel alerts.

As Storm Darragh continues to impact the country, National Highways advises motorists – particularly those driving high-sided HGVs, motor homes and motorcycles, and those towing caravans and trailers – to check the weather and driving conditions before setting out on journeys. 

Motorists should pay particular attention to exposed locations such as coastal and high-lying areas and bridges which could be affected by the high winds.

Luke Hindle, National Highways’ Duty Manager, said:

“The conditions we are seeing across certain parts of the country remain very challenging, but we are doing everything we can to keep the country moving where it is safe to do so.

“Any closure is only put in place to protect the safety of the travelling public.

“While we continue to see the effects of Storm Darragh, we would encourage drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys and consider if their journey is necessary and if it could be delayed until conditions improve.

“If you do intend to travel, then plan your journey, take extra care and allow yourself additional time.”