NEW images have been released of how the Dartford Crossing approach will look once payment barriers are removed.
The existing 27-lane payment plaza will be replaced by four open lanes in each direction and the approach to the tunnels will be improved with technology and extra lanes to identify and turn away prohibited vehicles from the tunnels.
The Highways Agency said the removal of the payment booths will coincide with the introduction of Dart Charge in late November, and will be completed by next spring.
Dart Charge project director Nigel Gray said: "It's only when the booths have been removed that the full benefits of Dart Charge will be felt, and we will get underway on this work at the same time the new payment arrangements begin.
"It's complicated work - especially on the northbound carriageway, where we need to protect the tunnels - one of which was built in the 1960s and has a lower height restriction - from over-height vehicles.
"We'll be completely redesigning the approach to the tunnels to detect and turn around these vehicles and other vehicles not suitable for the tunnels, using a system of signals, barriers and extra lanes, while keeping all other traffic flowing as much as possible."
The Agency claims Dart Charge will improve journeys at the Dartford Crossing by removing the need for drivers to stop at a barrier to pay the crossing charge.
Instead, drivers will be able to pay online, by phone, by post or at one of thousands of Payzone outlets nationwide, either in advance of their journey or by midnight on the day following it.
It is part of government plans to improve traffic flow at the vital gateway between Kent and Essex.
Drivers can find out more at www.gov.uk/highways/dartford
