The M25 motorway in Surrey has reopened after undergoing significant demolition work involving the removal of a bridge.
This closure, which lasted throughout the weekend, aimed to facilitate critical improvements as part of a larger project expected to enhance safety and reduce congestion along this vital route.
According to National Highways, the full closure started at 21:00 GMT on Friday, March 21, 2025, affecting the stretch between junctions 10 (near Wisley) and 11 (Woking), which remained shut until approximately 06:00 on Monday, March 24, 2025.
The bridge demolition is part of a dramatic £317 million project expected to introduce extra lanes where the M25 meets the A3. This project, initiated in 2022, was originally slated for completion in summer 2025, but due to “periods of extreme weather” the deadline has been postponed to spring 2026.
During the closure, motorists faced delays of up to 30 minutes, especially on Saturday, March 22, as traffic built up approaching both junctions. However, by Monday morning, there seemed to be smooth traffic flow, with no significant delays reported by officials.
To guide drivers smoothly through the process, National Highways implemented diversion routes to alleviate pressure on the remaining open sections of the motorway. Nevertheless, not all drivers adhered to the advised diversions. A notable incident involved an HGV driver who had to be rescued by Surrey Police after mistakenly following Google Maps instead of sticking to the official diversion routes.
This incident underscores the challenges motorists face during significant roadwork, especially on major thoroughfares such as the M25. National Highways previously noted a “notable increase” in traffic during the last closure compared to three earlier closures in 2024.
Officials encouraged all motorists to allow for extra travel time during the demolition period and to follow the designated diversions. The message is clear: when faced with such extensive infrastructure work, staying informed about the most effective paths is crucial for a smoother experience.
As the project progresses, road safety and traffic flow remain priority concerns for both the government and the public. The hope is that upon completion, the enhancements will significantly mitigate congestion issues that have plagued the motorway historically.
While the delays and closures certainly disrupt normal traffic patterns, they are a necessary step towards ensuring a more robust and safer transportation infrastructure in the long run. As such, both commercial and private motorists alike are urged to remain patient and vigilant as work continues along the motorway.
In conclusion, while the construction process may be frustrating now, these developments are aimed at fostering improved safety and connectivity for all drivers on one of the UK's busiest motorways—a goal worth the temporary inconveniences.
