Train services in south London faced severe disruptions after a vehicle struck a bridge in Thornton Heath, resulting in the temporary closure of all lines for emergency repairs. The incident, which occurred on a Thursday morning, had widespread implications for Gatwick Express and Southern services, particularly affecting travel between London and the south coast. National Rail anticipated that the disruptions would extend until at least midday, with journeys to Gatwick Airport being significantly impacted.

Furthermore, motorists were alerted to expect major delays over the weekend due to the closure of a section of the M25 motorway between junctions 10 and 11 in Surrey. This closure, announced by National Highways, was scheduled from 9pm on Friday until 6am on Monday to facilitate the demolition of Clearmount Bridge and the installation of a large gantry, as part of a broader project aimed at enhancing road safety and reducing pollution. The closure was expected to affect around 200,000 vehicles, with diversions in place to manage traffic flow.

This development was part of a series of disruptions that included the M25’s unprecedented closure for improvement works, known locally as “carmaggedon.” The works were aimed at improving safety and traffic flow, with this weekend marking the first of five planned closures for the year. The significant disruptions prompted officials to advise against non-essential travel on the M25, suggesting alternative transportation methods and even recommending that residents might prefer to stay at home.

Both the train disruption in Thornton Heath and the M25 closure were part of ongoing efforts to enhance transportation infrastructure, albeit causing temporary inconvenience for travellers and commuters in and around London.