National Highways has announced an unprecedented full weekend closure of a crucial stretch of the M25 motorway. Commencing from 21:00 GMT on Friday until 06:00 on Monday, a five-mile section between junctions 10 and 11 in Surrey will be off-limits to all traffic.
This marks the first scheduled daytime shutdown of all lanes on the M25 since its inauguration in 1986.
The closure aims to facilitate the demolition of a bridge and the installation of a new gantry as part of the ongoing junction 10 improvement scheme, slated for completion in mid-2025.
Jonathan Wade of National Highways emphasized the long-term benefits of these improvements but cautioned of inevitable short-term repercussions, warning of “heavy congestion and delays” over the weekend.
With the M25 typically accommodating between 4,000 to 6,000 vehicles per hour in each direction during peak hours on weekends, the closure is anticipated to severely impact travel plans for thousands of motorists.
National Highways has advised drivers to explore alternative travel options, suggesting taking the train or adjusting their schedules to avoid the affected area entirely.
However, the travel turmoil extends beyond road closures. South Western Railway faces its own challenges with engineering works affecting services between London Waterloo and stations in Surrey, including Guildford, Epsom, and Dorking.
Passengers are urged to check routes beforehand, with some services terminating early and others operating replacement bus services.
The ripple effects of these disruptions extend to travellers heading to major transportation hubs like Gatwick and Heathrow Airports, as well as the Channel ports.
St. Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey, Surrey, has issued a warning to patients, advising them to visit only if absolutely necessary due to anticipated congestion and diversions in the area.
Jonathan Wade reiterated the importance of heeding travel advice and urged motorists to refrain from blindly following GPS instructions, emphasizing the need to follow designated diversion routes.
Ignoring these directives could exacerbate congestion and lead to unforeseen delays, he cautioned.
Local communities in Surrey brace themselves for what is anticipated to be a challenging weekend.
With school sports fixtures already being postponed and concerns raised by councillors about potential gridlock, residents are urged to plan their journeys meticulously and anticipate significant disruptions to their usual routines.
As Surrey gears up for this unprecedented closure, it is evident that proactive measures and careful planning will be essential to navigate the impending travel chaos.
With patience running thin and uncertainties looming, the affected regions brace themselves for what could be one of the most challenging weekends in recent memory on the UK’s busiest motorway.
In the face of adversity, cooperation and adherence to travel advisories will be pivotal in ensuring minimal disruptions and a swift return to normalcy once the weekend closures conclude.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
