M25 Weekend Closure Announced Amid Summer Traffic Concerns!
National Highways has announced the date for its next weekend closure of the M25, sparking concerns about summer traffic disruptions.
The UK’s busiest motorway will be closed between junctions 10 and 11 in Surrey from 9pm on Friday, July 12, to 6am on Monday, July 15, 2024. This closure is to facilitate the construction of a new bridge at junction 10 as part of a £317 million improvement project.
As with previous closures, drivers are advised to expect delays and only travel if necessary. National Highways recommends following their travel advice rather than sat-nav directions to help reduce congestion.
Local residents, holidaymakers, concertgoers, and sports fans should plan their journeys ahead, allowing extra time or considering alternative travel arrangements.
The local diversion route remains the same for both directions. Drivers travelling from junction 10 to junction 11 should follow the northbound A3 to Painshill Junction, then take the A245 towards Woking and the A320 to M25 Junction 11.
Those heading from junction 11 to junction 10 should take the A320 south towards Woking, the A245 towards Byfleet and Painshill Junction, and then the southbound A3 to junction 10.
National Highways has also advised that taking the northern stretch of the M25 might be quicker.
This is the third of five planned full weekend closures of the M25 this year. The July closure will see the installation of a new bridge with 68 beams weighing 16 tonnes each and four beams weighing 40 tonnes each.
This work aims to enhance safety and reduce pollution. Similar work was completed during the May closure on the eastern gyratory.
The first closure in mid-March marked the first scheduled daytime all-lanes shutdown on the M25 since it opened in 1986. Although it was feared to cause significant traffic jams, delays were minimal as many drivers avoided the area or changed their plans.
The section in Surrey reopened early after the work was completed eight hours ahead of schedule.
Jonathan Wade, National Highways Senior Project Manager, said, “The previous two closures have gone well with significant progress being made during both.
We urge all drivers to follow the official diversion route, as this is the best chance of reaching your destination in good time. Please ignore your satnavs and follow our diversion route instead.”
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson commented, “With most drivers following the official advice, major congestion was averted during previous M25 closures, and there’s no reason why the same can’t happen this time.
Drivers should follow the signed diversion routes designed to keep traffic flowing as much as possible.
“It’s worth noting that the closure coincides with the finals at Wimbledon. Anyone planning to drive should anticipate a longer journey or consider public transport alternatives. For those who must drive, ensuring their vehicle is ready for a longer trip is crucial.
Breakdowns can quickly lead to traffic queues, and roadside patrols often end up sitting in jams trying to reach people. Checking oil and coolant levels, and ensuring tires are in good condition and properly inflated, can significantly reduce the chance of breaking down.”
The Junction 10 improvement scheme will increase the number of lanes for safer journeys and introduce a new junction layout to improve traffic flow. It will also make it easier and safer to enter and exit the M25 and reduce pollution from traffic jams.
Two more M25 closures are planned before the end of the year. The completed scheme is expected to be open to traffic by summer 2025.
For more information about the closure and the project, please click here.
