M25 closing in the day for the first time since it opened
For the first time since it opened almost 40 years ago the M25 is closing in the day
It's not happening until next Friday at 9pm, but then it will be shut in both directions between junctions 10 and 11 until the following Monday morning
National Highways says it's part of plans to increase the number of lanes and to make it easier to get on and off at junction 10 which is one of the UK's busiest and most dangerous motorway junctions.
Jonathan Wade, National Highways Project Lead, said:
“Drivers should only use the M25 if their journey is absolutely necessary. This is the first of five full closures of one of the busiest junctions on our road network.
“We have spent months planning for these closures and making sure there are diversion routes in place, but there will still be heavy congestion and delays.
“These improvements will bring long-term benefits to drivers who pass through this stretch of the M25, not to mention pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders who will also see positive changes in the area.”
The carriageway between junctions 9 and 11 carries between 4,000 and 6,000 vehicles per hour in each direction between 10am and 9pm on a weekend.
This work needs to be carried out now to continue the delivery of the scheme which is due to open to traffic in Summer 2025. National Highways says it has planned these closures to make sure they do not conflict with holiday periods or key events in the area.
The next full closure of the M25 is due to take place in April to allow for the installation of the new Clearmount bridleway bridge, although we are told dates are subject to change.
Later this year, National Highways will also look to install the new Cockcrow Green Bridge which will be the project’s centrepiece. This will be the UK’s first ever heathland bridge connecting Ockham and Wisley commons for the first time and provide a safe, natural corridor for local wildlife.
Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.