Over the weekend, drivers on the M25, the UK’s busiest motorway, faced significant disruptions due to a closure between Junctions 10 and 11 in Surrey for the demolition of a bridge and the installation of a new gantry. The closure, which began at 9 pm on Friday and was scheduled to last until 6 am on Monday, resulted in chaotic traffic conditions and extensive tailbacks, with some reports indicating queues of up to six miles.

This marked the first daytime closure of the M25 since it opened in 1986, as part of a larger project aimed at improving Junction 10, cited as one of the most dangerous junctions on the motorway. National Highways South East issued warnings about potential delays, estimating them to be as much as five hours, and recommended that drivers avoid the area and follow diversion instructions to help manage the congestion.

The situation was further complicated by a multi-vehicle collision, which heightened concerns over gridlocked traffic throughout the weekend. Local business owners along the diversion route reported worries about the impact on their operations, with some experiencing significant revenue losses. In contrast, establishments like the Black Prince pub in Addlestone anticipated minimal disruption due to their primarily local clientele.

National Highways has announced that several more closures of the M25 are planned until September as part of the ongoing improvement project. Drivers are advised to stay informed on the situation and plan their journeys with these disruptions in mind.