Drivers across Surrey are being reminded to brace themselves for serious travel disruptions this weekend, as the M25 motorway will be closed for the final time due to ongoing upgrade works. From 9 PM on Friday, March 21 through to 6 AM on Monday, March 24, the stretch of the M25 between junction 10 for Wisley and junction 11 for Woking will see complete road closures in both directions. This key route, often utilized by travelers heading to the busy Gatwick and Heathrow airports, will be temporarily out of service to facilitate the demolition of an old bridge rendering it unnecessary.
This closure marks the fifth and final one associated with the £317 million highway improvement project aimed at enhancing capacity and safety where the M25 connects with the A3. A representative from National Highways, Jonathan Wade, reassured the public that the project is nearing completion despite delays caused by last year’s extreme weather conditions. “We are now on the home straight of this complex project and we are pleased to say this is the last time the M25 will be closed over a full weekend,” he stated.
The timing of the closure coincides with several significant travel events, including England's FIFA World Cup qualifying match at Wembley, which is expected to pull in thousands of fans. National Highways has implored road users to plan ahead and avoid the area unless travel is essential. They advise against relying solely on sat-nav for navigation as HGVs have previously found themselves stuck on unsuitable detours. Wade specifically urged motorists to stick to the official diversions, saying, “We obviously want people to spend time enjoying themselves; we don’t want anyone to be stuck in long traffic jams.”
Motorists traveling clockwise will need to exit the M25 at junction 10, navigate the A3 northbound, take the A245 at Painshill, and then go via the A320 back to the M25 at junction 11. Conversely, those heading anticlockwise should exit at junction 11, take the A320 southbound, and follow the A245 to Painshill before rejoining the A3 south to access the M25 at junction 10. There is also the option of taking the Dartford Crossing, which could provide a quicker route.
Unbeknownst to many, this closure is unfolding amid additional complications due to a fire that erupted at the North Hyde electrical substation, leading to significant disruptions at Heathrow Airport. Flights were grounded and travel chaos was widespread, impacting potentially millions of passengers. Recent reports indicated that over 1,300 flights had been canceled, and around 200,000 travelers faced uncertainty as a result.
The merger of the M25 closure and the airport situation prompted motoring experts, including Alvaro Iturmendi from Confused.com, to issue stern warnings to those needing to travel. “Road works affecting the M25 could have major disruptions to those flying in and out of London’s busiest airports. Those who need to travel to Gatwick and Heathrow are being urged to plan ahead.” He stresses the importance of considering alternative transport options, such as direct train services to the airport, though such paths may also experience delays due to the heightened traffic.
This weekend’s closure and the Heathrow disruptions represent a period of uncertainty for local businesses as well. For instance, Stephen Bungay, the owner of Ockham Bites café located near junction 10, expressed his distress over declining customer numbers as people tend to avoid the area during these closures. He revealed his sales have plummeted from around £800-£900 a day to approximately £200 due to the ongoing construction. Bungay described the past months as “very stressful,” citing worries for his health and livelihood.
While some business owners share Bungay's concerns, others have a more favorable view of the upgrade project. Duncan MacBryde, who runs a doggie daycare service in the vicinity, commented, “You have to break a few eggs to make an omelette.” He supports the works, emphasizing that the area's infrastructure needs upgrades to alleviate ongoing traffic issues.
National Highways has expressed gratitude for the understanding and patience shown by the local community during this long and arduous upgrade. A spokesperson reiterated, “This important project will reduce congestion, improve safety, and bring economic and environmental benefits to the local community.”
As we move further into the weekend, travelers are encouraged to remain updated on ongoing changes, as this closure has the potential to add substantial delays during one of London’s busiest travel weekends. With new avenues of diversion, the hope is that both the upgrade completion and the reopening of the affected M25 sections will ultimately lead to improved traffic flows and a more efficient commuting experience in the long run.
For the latest details regarding diversions and more closures slated for April, motorists are urged to check the National Highways website frequently. Ensuring awareness about travel conditions can substantially mitigate the anticipated chaos during this culmination of a significant road improvement initiative.
