M25 closures mapped as drivers warned to expect delays this weekend
Motorists[1] have been warned to prepare for lengthy delays on the M25[2] this weekend, as a 10-mile stretch of the UK's busiest motorway shuts over what is expected to be the warmest spell of the year so far[3]. A section of the M25 will close in both directions between Junction 9 and Junction 10 from Friday evening until Monday morning to allow a new bridge to be installed[4]. Highways England has advised drivers to only take "necessary" journeys during the shutdown, which is the second of five planned weekend closures as part of a GBP317m project to improve Junction 10.
Anyone who chooses to travel should "expect delays", the AA warned, as the M25 is likely to be "incredibly busy", with temperatures of 24?C across Saturday and Sunday in Surrey expected to bring additional journeys. A 19-mile diversion in place using both the A3 and the A240, which could affect local roads, making access to attractions such as Thorpe Park trickier, as well as journeys to Gatwick, Heathrow and sporting fixtures.
When and where is the closure?
The M25 will be shut between Junction 9 (A243 Leatherhead) and 10 (A3 Wisley) from 9pm Friday 10 May to 6am Monday 13 May. The ten-mile stretch passes through Surrey, on the outskirts of Greater London.
A view of traffic approaching Junction 10 of the M25 in Surrey (Photo: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
What is the travel advice?
National Highways[5], which operates and maintains the UK's motorways, has urged drivers to only travel if "necessary", as it advised when a five-mile stretch of the M25 closed two months ago.
Jonathan Wade, a senior project manager, said motorists responded well in March[6], reducing traffic levels by over two thirds and minimising delays. However, this weekend's closure has the potential to cause more disruption than the last, as twice the length of motorway is affected, meaning the diversion route is also longer. Mr Wade 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 AA has warned that the M25 is likely to be "incredibly busy" due to the improved weather and "numerous" sporting events taking place around London. Chris Wood, AA Patrol of the Year, said: "With an upturn in the weather forecast and numerous sporting events this weekend it's likely to be incredibly busy in and around London, particularly the M25 Junctions 8 to 10.
"We advise drivers to plan their journeys accordingly, avoid the west side of the M25 if possible, but if not to expect delays and stick to the detour routes. "Prepare your vehicle before setting off by checking oil and coolant levels, tyres and make sure you have enough fuel or electric charge to cover the planned diversions. "Also, pack plenty of cold drinks and snacks for passengers.
"We advise those using public transport to check rail websites before setting off as some routes and timetables are likely to be affected by industrial action."
Ulez warning
Drivers have also been warned that they could enter London's ultra-low emission zone (Ulez[7]) if they move off official diversion routes during this weekend's M25 closure. National Highways said anyone ignoring diversion signs in an attempt to find shorter alternative routes will be liable for the GBP12.50 daily Ulez fee if their vehicle does not meet minimum emissions standards. Failure to pay the charge when required can result in a GBP180 fine, reduced to GBP90 if paid within 14 days.
Ulez has proved controversial since it has been expanded in London (Photo: Yui Mok/PA Wire)
Mr Wade said: "Although the [Ulez] cameras will be active, no enforcement action will be taken. "However, if you ignore the diversion signs and do your own thing, then if your vehicle's not compliant you do run the risk of getting caught. "You'll be perfectly safe as long as you follow the diversion routes."
What are the diversion routes?
A 19-mile diversion route will be in place which uses the A3 and the A240, according to Highways England.
Clockwise diversion for all but over-height vehicles:
- Leave M25 at junction 8, A217 (Reigate)
- Follow the A217 London, Sutton, (A240) Kingston
- After 3.5 miles turn left onto the A240 Epsom, Kingston
- After 3 miles at the Esso roundabout, turn right onto the A24 (A240) Kingston
- Continue for 3 miles and at the Tolworth interchange turn left onto the A3 Portsmouth, Guildford
- Continue for 9.5 miles to the M25 and rejoin the motorway at junction 10
Anticlockwise diversion for all but over-height vehicles:
- Leave M25 at junction 10 to join the A3 towards London
- After 9.5 miles at the Tolworth interchange leave the A3 turning right onto the A240 Epsom, Reigate
- Continue for 3 miles to the Esso roundabout and turn left onto the A240 Reigate
- Continue for 3 miles then turn right onto the A217 Reigate, M25
- After 3.5 miles turn left to rejoin the M25 motorway at junction 8
What events could be affected?
According to the AA, access to attractions such as Thorpe Park, in Staines, and Legoland Windsor could made trickier by the closure, as well as connections to both Gatwick and Heathrow. Football fans travelling to or from London could also face delays, with a full round of Premier League matches taking place over the weekend, along with the Women's FA Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.
Manchester United take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Women's FA Cup final on Sunday (Photo Carl Recine/Reuters)
The following fixtures could be affected:
Saturday 11 May
- Fulham vs Manchester City
- AFC Bournemouth vs Brentford
- Newcastle United Vs Brighton & Hove Albion (away fans)
- Tottenham Hotspur vs Burnley
- West Ham United vs Luton Town
- Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Crystal Palace (away fans)
- Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea (away fans)
Sunday 12 May
- Manchester United vs Arsenal (away fans)
- Women's FA Cup final - Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur
Why is the closure taking place?
National Highways said the closure is necessary for installation of a new bridge, consisting of 68 beams, each weighing 16 tonnes, and another four beams weighing 40 tonnes. The ten-mile closure is part of a wider GBP317m project by National Highways. Due to be completed in summer 2025, it will increase the number of lanes and make it easier to enter and exit the M25 at Junction 10 - one of the UK's busiest and most dangerous motorway junctions.
Another three daytime closures of the motorway will take place this year.
The next closure will be announced by National Highways after this weekend.
References
- ^ Motorists (inews.co.uk)
- ^ M25 (inews.co.uk)
- ^ warmest spell of the year so far (inews.co.uk)
- ^ allow a new bridge to be installed (inews.co.uk)
- ^ National Highways (inews.co.uk)
- ^ motorists responded well in March (inews.co.uk)
- ^ Ulez (inews.co.uk)