Motorists are bracing themselves for significant disruptions as the M25, Britain’s busiest motorway, is set to undergo its first planned daytime closure.
National Highways has issued a stern warning to drivers, advising them to travel only if absolutely necessary during the closure between junctions 10 and 11 in Surrey.
This closure, part of a £317 million improvement initiative, will see the affected stretch of the M25 shut down for an extensive 57-hour period, starting from 9pm on Friday, March 15, until 6am on Monday, March 18.
Approximately 200,000 vehicles are expected to be impacted by the closure, particularly those commuting to and from London over the weekend, as well as travelers heading to Heathrow and Gatwick Airports and Channel ports.
With the closure encompassing a five-mile section of the motorway, commuters are advised to anticipate severe diversions and prolonged travel times.
During this shutdown, demolition work on a bridge and installation of a new gantry will be carried out, marking the first daytime all-lanes closure on the M25 since its inception in 1986.
Further closures are anticipated until September as part of the ongoing improvement project, with the next scheduled closure expected in April, continuing until at least the summer of 2025.
The M25’s transformation aims to enhance safety and traffic flow, particularly at junction 10, identified as one of the UK’s busiest and most hazardous motorway junctions.
Jonathan Wade, project lead for National Highways, emphasized the necessity for drivers to use the M25 sparingly during these closures, acknowledging the inevitable congestion and delays despite meticulous planning and diversionary routes.
Steve Gooding, director of the motoring research charity the RAC Foundation, echoed these sentiments, urging drivers to exercise caution and patience during the disruptions. He emphasized the importance of avoiding local roads surrounding the M25, where diverted traffic is likely to compound congestion.
While these closures may pose inconveniences in the short term, the long-term benefits of improved infrastructure and safety enhancements on the M25 are anticipated to significantly enhance the commuting experience for all road users.
Can’t see the difference here between this week end road closure compared to the weekend closures of the M1, M42, M5, M50, M62
These closures are very common especially where HS2 works are concerned, and yet they don’t make the national headlines! Get used to it folks, our road network is way overdue and overhaul so expect more and more closures in the future on all motorway networks!!!!
Hi, A very good informative notification for once, Most welcome. Usually the authorities treat us like mushrooms. Well done.