New M25 map shows seven-mile closure set to cause chaos for millions | UK | News
A new map of the M25 shows the significant extent of the next expected round of closures.
The traffic artery will shut for the second time in three months this coming May, with closures extending between two junctions.
Construction crews are installing a 16-tonne bridge in the area, which National Highways warns will cause “long delays”.
The latest round of delays follows similar widespread closures on the M25 from March 15 required by the last round of construction.
But this time, while maps show several miles worth of closures, officials expect it will be “far from a repeat” of the previous round.
Construction crews will require seven miles of the motorway to shut between junctions 9 (A243 Leatherhead) and 10 (A3 Wisley).
The closures will last three days, from 9pm on Friday, May 10, to 6am on Monday, May 13. National Highways has advised motorists to only travel down the stretch if necessary.
The diversion will be nearly three times the distance of the closed stretch, spanning 19 miles on the A3 and A243.
Jonathan Wade, the senior oroject manager for National Highways, said the alternate routes will differ depending on the type of vehicle.
He said: “This is far from a repeat of the previous closure, as the alternative routes are longer and will be different for over-height vehicles and all other traffic.
“Drivers listened to our advice last time which reduced motorway traffic levels by over two-thirds and meant delays were limited.”
He added: “Our advice again is please only travel if absolutely necessary and make sure you give yourself extra time if you do choose to use the M25.”
The Junction 10 improvement scheme is designed to increase the number of lanes on which people can travel while making it easier and safer to exit the motorway.
There are no additional closures scheduled for June, but three more will follow between July and the end of 2024.