March 6th 2024.
This upcoming weekend is shaping up to be quite a challenge for drivers, as a major portion of the M25 will be closed in both directions. According to National Highways, it's best to only travel if absolutely necessary, as the motorway will be shut down between junctions 10 and 11, as well as 11 in Surrey. This five-mile stretch of road will be closed from 9pm on Friday until 6am next Monday, causing disruptions for approximately 200,000 vehicles, including those headed to concerts, sporting events, and holidays in and out of London. It's no secret that the M25 is a popular route for travel to and from Heathrow and Gatwick Airports, as well as the Channel Ports.
During the hours of 10am until 9pm between junctions 9 and 11, the M25 typically sees between 4,000 and 6,000 vehicles traveling in each direction per hour. With such a high volume of traffic expected to be impacted, it's no surprise that engineers are working hard to demolish the Clearmount Bridleway bridge and install a large gantry. This is all part of a massive project that costs over £317 million and aims to reduce congestion, improve safety, and create more reliable journeys by restoring heathland and upgrading the junction with the A3 Winsley Interchange, according to highway officials.
For those who do have important plans this weekend, National Highways wants to reassure them that there will be local diversion routes in place. For junctions 10 and 11, the suggested route is to take the Northbound A3 to Painshill Junction, then the A245 to Woking, and finally the A320 to M25 Junction 11. And for those traveling between junctions 11 and 10, the alternative route is to take the A320 south towards Woking, then the A245 towards Byfleet and Painshill Junction, and finally the Southbound A3 to Junction 10. Of course, another option is to simply take the M25 in the opposite direction to avoid the closure altogether.
As for what's to come, there are still four more closures scheduled to take place until September, when the works are expected to be completed. While highway officials have not yet revealed the exact dates of these closures, it's likely that the next one will take place in April. Jonathan Wade, the project lead, has emphasized the importance of only using the M25 if absolutely necessary during these closures, as it is one of the busiest junctions on the road network. He also acknowledges that despite their careful planning and diversion routes, heavy congestion and delays are expected.
Steve Gooding, director of motoring research charity the RAC Foundation, shares a similar sentiment, stating that for drivers who have already dealt with the queues at the junction 10 works, it's safe to say that "you ain't seen nothing yet." He also reminds drivers to take extra care and caution during this time, as any mishap, no matter how minor, can add to the frustration and misery of the situation. In addition, he highlights the importance of being mindful of other local roads that may see an increase in traffic due to the M25 closure. Ultimately, the improvements being made will have long-term benefits for all types of travelers, including drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders.
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