Thurrock crossing

[bromleybysea]

Living in Bromley and keeping the boat on the Blackwater means that I travel via the M25. Coming back the last couple of Sundays there have been massive jams on the approach to the QE2 bridge late afternoon. Yesterday I decided to give it a miss only to learn when it was too late that the Blackwall tunnel was also closed. I don't remember these long delays last year- is there some particular reason for it and what is the best avoiding strategy? leave it 'till the evening?

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

I sympathise.... I crossed it ever Fri/Sun for a number of years.... I found it to be totally random.... with perhaps the only obvious factor being the weather... the nicer the day, the heavier the traffic...

The only way I was ever able to avoid it entirely was travelling much later than i'd have really wanted.

 

[tillergirl]

Do you use the A12 to get to the M25. Is so you might like to consider the 'delights' of the A13. The advantage of the A13 is that if there is a severe jam on the southern approaches to the Bridge, you join the queue much closer to the bridge; in fact if it is bad, don't join the M25 at the A13 slip but go down the parallel relief road that leads to the shopping centre and use that slip on the M25 - last before the bridge. It can help significantly.

To get to the A13, either come the A12 at the A130 (on the Chelmesford by pass bit) or from Maldon head for South Woodham Ferrers/Rettendon Turnpike - not the quickest but seldom congested. There is an amusing bit of signposting at the bottom of the A130 which delivers you to the A127 if you are not careful, ignore that and follow the signposts to Southend where you will meet the A13.

 

[aquaholic]

At the risk of being shot down in flames you could always move your boat to the Medway

 

[bromleybysea]

thurrock crossing

Thanks Tillergirl, I'll certainly give that a try. As for the Medway, I've considered it, but Tollesbury is a delight and the A12/M25 would have to get much worse than it already is before I considered moving the boat.

 

[stuey_two]

We avoid the sunday evening traffic by staying at Tollesbury until AM Monday or AM Tuesday, the only snag is that the bar is closed both evenings!!