Drivers warned of traffic misery as motorway to shut again soon

This will be the second planned closure of the year as work continues on the £317million Junction 10 improvement scheme.

The new closure will see the installation of a new bridge consisting of 68 beams, each weighing 16 tonnes, and another four beams weighing 40 tonnes.

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The overarching aim of the project is to make roads safer for all motorists and reduce pollution in and around the area.

The roads were originally closed between March 15 and March 18, when National Highways demolished the Clearmount bridleway bridge and installed a large gantry.

Drivers will see the motorway close again in May whereby more lanes will be added and a greater focus on junction layout to improve traffic flow.

It will also make it easier and safer for motorists to enter and exit the M25 and help reduce the pollution caused by traffic jams.

Jonathan Wade, senior project manager at National Highways, 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.”

This is the second of five full weekend closures of the M25, with the other three set to take place between July and the end of the year.

National Highways said it was working with delivery partner Balfour Beatty Atkins, Surrey County Council, Gatwick Airport, Heathrow Airport and local businesses to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.

It has also urged motorists to plan ahead if they are scheduled to travel over that weekend, with residents, holidaymakers, concertgoers and sports fans issued with a warning.

Four diversion routes have already been agreed by National Highways to ensure drivers are not caught in long delays when trying to navigate along the M25.

It is estimated that the carriageway between J9 and J11 carries between 4,000 and 6,000 vehicles per hour in each direction between 10am and 9pm on a weekend.

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The National Highways website also reassured road users of any changes they may face when using the diversion routes over the weekend.

It states: “Drivers using the signed diversion route will not be subject to any Ultra Low Emission Zone charges that may usually apply.”