The M25 motorway will undergo a historic 57-hour closure to facilitate the demolition of a bridge and construction of a new gantry, affecting journeys between junctions 10 and 11 with significant travel disruptions expected.
This weekend, the M25 will undergo a significant 57-hour closure between junctions 10 and 11 in Surrey, a move orchestrated by National Highways to facilitate the demolition of a bridge and the construction of a new gantry. Scheduled from 9 pm on Friday until 6 am on Monday, this marks the first closure of its kind since the motorway opened in 1986. The initiative is part of a broader project to increase lane availability and improve access at junction 10, known for being one of the UK’s busiest and most dangerous junctions, with completion aimed for the summer of 2025.
National Highways has strongly advised drivers to adhere to official diversion routes and avoid relying on sat-nav systems for alternative directions. This guidance comes amid concerns that unauthorized detours could lead to further congestion and delays. The closure is expected to add approximately an hour to travel times, though projections suggest traffic could be reduced by 50% compared to potential five-hour delays without the intervention measures.
Jonathan Wade, the project lead, has highlighted the importance of following the designated diversions to alleviate delays. Predicting driver behavior is notably challenging for the authorities, given the unprecedented nature of the closure. As part of the efforts to minimize disruption, National Highways is planning four more daytime closures until September.
This weekend’s closure serves as a critical component of ongoing efforts to enhance the safety and efficiency of the M25. Motorists are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance to navigate the expected disruptions, keeping in mind that following official guidance is crucial for avoiding unnecessary congestion and travel delays.