Drivers on the M25 in Surrey are currently facing significant delays due to “unprecedented” closures along a five-mile stretch between junctions 10 and 11. The closure, which began at 21:00 GMT on Friday and will continue until 06:00 on Monday, has resulted in congestion on the detour route as drivers navigate alternative paths.
National Highways reported that approximately 270,000 drivers use this stretch of the M25 on a weekday, emphasizing the need for drivers to only use the motorway if absolutely necessary. Project lead Jonathan Wade advised drivers to avoid the area entirely, change their plans, or consider taking the train to avoid further congestion.
The closure is necessary for the demolition of a bridge and the installation of a new gantry as part of the junction 10 improvement scheme. This marks the first scheduled daytime closure of all lanes on the M25 since its opening in 1986.
Businesses along the detour route, such as caterers and veterinary centers, are feeling the impact of the closures, with concerns about loss of revenue and difficulty accessing their premises due to increased traffic.
Emergency services are bracing for a challenging weekend, urging drivers to be aware of any emergency vehicles attempting to navigate through heavy traffic. St. Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey has advised people to only visit if necessary, while travellers heading to Gatwick and Heathrow Airports, Channel ports, or various events in London are urged to plan accordingly.
This closure is just the first of five planned closures between now and September as part of a £317m upgrade. The RAC Foundation has advised travelers to allow plenty of time and consider alternative transportation options if necessary.
The closure on the M25 serves as a unique moment in history for both drivers and residents along the detour route. As the weekend progresses, drivers are encouraged to stay informed and plan their journeys accordingly to minimize disruptions.
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