Motorists have been warned about part of the M25 shutting again this weekend. The closure, which will affect traffic in both directions, is scheduled from 9pm on Friday, July 12 to 6am on Monday, July 15.
This marks the third time Highways England has had to close the M25 for its Junction 10 improvement works. The motorway will be shut in Surrey between Junction 10 for Wisley and A3 and Junction 11 for Chertsey.
The closure is due to workers installing a new bridge on the roundabout at the Wisley junction. Signed diversions will be in place throughout the weekend and roads in the surrounding areas are expected to be busy while the closure is in place.
READ MORE:Full M25 diversion route as motorway set to shut for entire weekend
A spokesperson for Highways England said: “We’re grateful to all drivers who avoided previous closures and completed their journeys in other ways. We urge you to do the same again. If you do travel, expect delays and please leave a lot of extra time for your journey.”
Those flying from Heathrow or Gatwick airports have also been advised to allow extra time as the closure may affect their journeys. For some drivers avoiding the closure by taking the M25 via the Dartford Crossing may also be quicker.
The AA has warned that many major roads in the South East will be very busy. AA patrol of the year Chris Wood said: “With many football fans changing their plans following England’s victory over Holland, it’s likely to be incredibly busy in and around London.
“We advise drivers to plan their journey accordingly, avoiding the west side of the M25 if possible, and to check ferry and tunnel operators’ websites for updates before setting off.
“Prepare your vehicle by checking oil and coolant levels, tyres and make sure you have enough fuel or electric charge to cover the planned diversions.”
National Highways is a bit worried that satnavs might lead some drivers onto minor roads once leaving the M25, causing blockages in residential zones. They have urged drivers to stick to the official diversion route.
M25 diversion route
For those travelling westbound, they’ll be taken off the motorway at Junction 10 and onto the A3 northbound to Painshill junction. From there, join the A245 heading towards Woking, then onto the A320 before jumping back on to the M25 at Junction 11.
Eastbound travellers between Junction 11 at Chertsey and Junction 10 will need to hop off the motorway at Junction 11 and connect with the A320 south heading towards Woking. From there, they should join the A245 moving towards Byfleet and Painshill junction, before joining the A3 southbound and then re-entering the M25 at Junction 10.
Resurfacing on the A24, thanks to an oil spill on Tuesday (July 9), should be all wrapped up before the M25 closure gets underway.
Why is the M25 being shut?
The motorway is being closed to aid construction of a new bridge near Junction 10. This March closure marked the first planned daytime shutdown of the M25 since it first opened its lanes in 1986.
The project, set to be finished by summer 2025, will expand the number of lanes at Junction 10, known as one of the UK’s most congested and hazardous motorway junctions.
Typically, between 4,000 and 6,000 vehicles use the M25 between Junctions 9 and 11 in each direction every hour from 10am until 9pm on weekends. The last two weekend closures for this project are scheduled for later this year.
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