Drivers urged to consider travel plans ahead of final M25 closure
Drivers are being urged to think carefully about their travel plans this weekend, with the M25 closing for the final time as part of a major improvement project.
The motorway will be closed from 9pm on Friday, 21 March until 5.30am on Monday, 24 March between junction 10 Wisley and junction 11 Chertsey.
The closure will allow National Highways to safely demolish and remove an old bridge which is no longer needed after work to upgrade the gyratory at junction 10 was completed last month.
It is the fifth and final closure of the M25 as part of a scheme to reduce congestion, create a smoother flow of traffic and provide safer journeys for thousands every day.
It follows the successful demolition of another structure on the motorway two weeks ago and represents a key milestone in the project.
Drivers have largely heeded National Highways’ advice during the previous closures, but Senior Project Manager Jonathan Wade is urging road users to avoid complacency this weekend after a notable increase in traffic a fortnight ago.
He also stressed the importance of following signed diversions, and not sat-navs, after seeing HGVs travelling on unsuitable routes, becoming stuck and clogging up roads.
“We are now on the home straight of this complex project and we are pleased to say this is the last time the M25 will be closed over a full weekend,” Mr Wade said.
“Two weeks ago, when we last closed the motorway, we saw higher levels of traffic than in the previous three closures and it caused significant disruption and delays in local areas.”
The works coincided with the year’s first real weekend of sunshine, and Mr Wade is urging those looking to get out and about to carefully consider their plans.
“We obviously want people to spend time enjoying themselves, we don’t want anyone to be stuck in long traffic jams,” he said.
“If you’re travelling around Surrey this weekend, I’d again urge you to only use the motorway and surrounding areas if your journey is absolutely necessary.
“Please allow extra time and use alternative routes where possible, and make sure you follow our official diversions, and not information from sat-navs.”
Those travelling clockwise will be diverted onto the A3 northbound at junction 10 and then the A245 and A320 before rejoining the M25 at junction 11.
Notes to Editors
National Highways is the wholly government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England’s motorways and major A roads.
Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available via the Traffic England website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available.
For further information please contact National Highways' press office (24hrs) on 0844 693 1448 and select the most appropriate option:
Option 1: National enquiries (9am to 5.30pm) and out of hours for urgent enquiriesOption 2: North West (9am to 5.30pm)Option 3: Yorkshire and North East (9am to 5.30pm)Option 4: West Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)Option 5: East Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)Option 6: East (9am to 5.30pm)Option 7: South East (9am to 5.30pm)Option 8: South West (9am to 5.30pm)
