DRIVERS planning to use the M25 this weekend may want to reconsider, as a major section of Britain’s busiest motorway is set to close.
National Highways have warned that Junction 10 is to shut from 9pm on Friday, March 7, and won’t open again until 6am on Monday, March 10, with diversion routes put in place.
The weekend closure will allow for the completion of a number of works on the junction that are expected to be finished this year – including the demolition and removal of old bridges.
Drivers travelling into London and the surrounding areas have been urged to plan their journeys in advance, as well as allow extra time or make alternative travel arrangements.
The Junction 10 improvement scheme will see an increase in the number of lanes, with the view to making journeys safer, as well as improving traffic flow.
It will also make it easier and safer to enter and exit the M25 by providing safer entry roads for Wisley, Pyrford, Old Byfleet, and the RHS Garden Wisley.
It should also reduce the pollution caused by traffic jams.
DIVERSION ROUTE
Ahead of the closures, drivers have been advised to follow the diversion route, which takes them around J10 to J11.
Drivers going clockwise will be diverted from the M25 at junction 10 to join the A3 northbound, before taking the A245 at Painshill.
They should then take the A320 to rejoin the motorway at J11.
For motorists travelling anticlockwise, they will be diverted from the M25 at J11 to join the A320 southbound.
From here, they should take the A245 to Painshill before taking the A3 southbound to rejoin the M25 at J10.
Jonathan Wade, senior project manager at National Highways, said: “Unfortunately, it’s simply not possible to carry out this scale of infrastructure improvement, which will benefit millions of people in the long term, without there being some degree of short-term disruption.
“We have spent months planning these closures, but they will still cause significant congestion and delays, so we are asking road users to allow extra time and use alternative routes where possible.
“Please follow our official diversion routes and not information from satnavs.”
Furthermore, he explained that while the closures will affect drivers’ day-to-day routines, the works are still expected to be finished this summer, after the completion date for the whole project was moved back to spring 2026.
He also said that road users have been advised that the project aims to have minimal impact and congestion on travellers.
Wade added that the extension of the project was due to “periods of extreme weather“, which delayed some elements of the work earlier in the year. .
He said: “We are already seeing some of the benefits of this project, which will help reduce congestion, create a smoother flow of traffic and provide safer journeys for thousands every day.”
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson also warned drivers that, without a plan in place, they could face hours stuck in traffic.
She said: “Without careful planning, drivers could face some lengthy tailbacks during the eight days of M25 closures that start this weekend.
“We expect diversion routes, especially along the A3, to become heavily congested.
“Those that do decide to drive on either weekend should prepare to spend much longer on the roads and make sure they have plenty of fuel or charge for their trips.
“It’s also important to do some vehicle checks to avoid a breakdown: ensure tyres are in good condition and inflated to the correct pressure and that oil and coolant are at the right levels.”
After the weekend, the next set of closures will take place between 9pm on Friday, March 21 and 6am on Monday, March 24.
Affectionately referred to as the UK’s largest car park, the M25 is one of the most-used motorways in the country, with around 200,000 using it every day.
Stretching approximately 117 miles, the M25 connects with numerous other motorways and A-roads, serving as a vital link for commuters, freight, and long-distance travellers.
