M25 set for second full weekend closure

The M25 will be shut for a full weekend for the second time this year as work on the £317 million Junction 10 improvement scheme continues. 

National Highways made the unprecedented move of closing the motorway in March and made good progress by demolishing a bridge and installing a gantry. 

Work was completed eight hours ahead of schedule which meant the section between junctions 10 and 11 was reopened to traffic early. 

With the first phase complete, the project team has turned its attention to plans to lift into place concrete beams for the eastern gyratory bridge and another large gantry, which will involve closing a different stretch of the M25. 

This work will take place during a full weekend closure between junctions 9 (A243 Leatherhead) and 10 (A3 Wisley) from 21.00 Friday 10 May to 06.00 Monday 13 May 2024. 

These £317 million essential works are one of five series of improvements to the M25 taking place this year, as part of the Government’s £24 billion Road Investment Strategy (RIS2). 

Jonathan Wade, National Highways senior project manager, 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. 

“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 will see an increase in the number of lanes to make journeys safer and a new junction layout to improve traffic flow. It will also make it easier and safer to enter and exit the M25 and reduce the pollution caused by traffic jams. 

This is the second of five full weekend closures of the M25 to take place with a further three due between July and the end of the year. 

National Highways and delivery partner Balfour Beatty Atkins continue to liaise with key stakeholders in the lead-up to this closure, including emergency services, Surrey County Council, local businesses, and Gatwick and Heathrow Airports.  

Local residents, holidaymakers, concertgoers, and sports fans should plan their journeys in advance and make sure they allow extra time or make alternative travel arrangements. 

This next closure coincides with other ongoing improvements on our network including the installation of additional emergency areas on the M25 J23-27, M25 J5-7, M4 J10-12, M3 J2-4a and M20 J3-5. 

For more information about the project and the latest updates including the closures and alternative routes, please visit National Highways.