First ever M25 weekend closure

The bad news for motorists is that for the first time ever, a stretch of the M25 is going to be closed in both directions for an entire weekend. 

• M25 to be closed in both directions between junctions 10 and 11 from 9:00pm Friday 15th March to 06:00 Monday 18th March while a bridge across the motorway is demolished and a large gantry installed
• Motorists warned to expect long delays and advised to find alternative routes or to not travel at all that weekend
• Four further closures of this section of the M25 planned over the coming months during works for the ‘junction 10 improvement scheme’

For the first time ever, a stretch of the M25 is going to be closed in both directions for an entire weekend (15th to 18 March 2024) while National Highways undertake roadworks.

A further four closures are also planned between now and September 2024, and motorists are being warned to expect long delays or to avoid travelling on those dates.

The first closure, from 9:00pm on Friday 15th until 06:00am on Monday 18th March, will be in Surrey, between junctions 10 and 11 – a busy section between the A3 at Wisley and the A320 Chertsey interchange. 

Both carriageways of the M25 will have to be closed in order to demolish the Clearmount bridleway bridge and install a large new gantry.

This is part of the ‘junction 10 improvement scheme’ to increase the number of lanes to help improve traffic flow. 

The next full closure of the M25 will be in April (for the Clearmount bridleway bridge to be replaced). Exact dates are yet to be confirmed.

The junctions are important to traffic travelling to and from Heathrow and Gatwick airports, the ports of Dover or Portsmouth, and can be a point of heavy congestion. The diversion route is likely to add lengthy delays to journeys, taking in the A245 towards Woking or Byfleet depending on the direction of travel.

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.”