M25 Closure This Weekend Marks Final Road Improvements

The M25 motorway in Surrey is set to close for the fifth and final time this weekend as part of a £317 million road improvement project aimed at enhancing safety and reducing congestion.

Beginning at 9 PM on Friday, March 21, 2025, and concluding at 6 AM on Monday, March 24, 2025, the closure will affect the stretch between Junction 10 at Wisley and Junction 11 at Chertsey. This final closure allows National Highways to demolish an old bridge that is no longer needed.

Senior Project Manager Jonathan Wade, representing National Highways, emphasized that the weekend closure provides a unique opportunity to carry out significant additional work while the motorway is shut. "This is the last time the M25 will be closed over a full weekend. We are now on the home straight of this complex project," he stated, conveying relief that the project is nearing its conclusion.

The necessity for this closure arises from the wider improvement project that commenced in summer 2022 with plans to add extra lanes at Junction 10, which historically ranks as one of the UK’s busiest and most dangerous motorway junctions. The initial target for completion was set for this summer; however, due to unforeseen extreme weather conditions, the finishing timeline has now been extended to spring 2026.

During the recent closure two weeks ago, National Highways noted a significant increase in traffic congestion compared to previous closures in 2024. As a response, motorists are being strongly urged to avoid the area unless their journeys are "absolutely necessary." This warning comes at a critical time, as many travelers heading to and from the two busiest airports in the UK—Heathrow and Gatwick—are expected to be affected by the road closure.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and explore alternative routes, though traffic expert Shaun Jones from the AA warns that these diversions might also become congested due to heightened demand. He highlighted the importance of following official signs rather than relying on sat-navs or Google Maps, which previously misled drivers, evidenced by an incident involving an HGV driver needing rescue from Purford Lock during prior closures.

"We urge drivers, particularly those in HGVs, to follow the signed diversionary routes rather than using sat-navs or Google Maps," Jones reiterated. This advice is particularly crucial as the closure coincides with the England vs. Albania football match at Wembley, likely inflating traffic volumes in surrounding areas.

Diversion routes are set to direct traffic onto A roads, allowing for continued travel despite the M25's closure. Those traveling clockwise, for instance, will be rerouted to the A3 northbound at Junction 10, transitioning to the A245 and the A320 before rejoining the M25 at Junction 11. Conversely, motorists heading in the opposite direction will take the A320 southbound at Junction 11, maneuvering onto the A245 and the A3 to merge back onto the motorway.

During the previous closures, warnings of severe congestion on diversion routes led many travelers to heed the advice and minimize their motorway usage, helping to alleviast long delays. Nevertheless, this weekend, Wade emphasized the importance of avoiding complacency among drivers as they navigate the closures. The public’s responsiveness has been strong, with effective communication among local authorities, police, and National Highways helping to disseminate important information.

"Traffic increases are always an issue during closures, and we want everyone to enjoy their weekend without being stuck in traffic jams. Please allow extra time for your journeys this weekend," Wade recommended, urging motorists to plan effectively.

As the deadline looms for this project, it remains crucial for the local community and travelers alike to remain informed about ongoing conditions. Despite the completion being delayed, subsequent upgrades are designed to make it easier and safer for drivers to enter and exit the M25, especially for residents in surrounding areas like Wisley, Pyrford, and Old Byfleet, as well as visitors heading to the RHS Garden Wisley.

While this closure signifies the end of full weekend closures for the M25, ongoing work will continue on nearby roads in the upcoming months. Motorists are reminded to stay tuned for updates as further improvements unfold.