Major disruptions are on the horizon for motorists utilizing the M25, particularly affecting routes to and from Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Alvaro Iturmendi, a travel insurance expert from Confused.com, warns of significant roadworks scheduled for March, leading to potential chaos on one of the UK0s busiest motorways.
These extensive works are aimed at improving Junction 10 at Wisley, which will see multiple closures on both entry and exit slip roads. Two complete motorway closures will also occur over the coming months, making it imperative for drivers to plan their journeys well ahead of time.
Iturmendi emphasizes the urgency for travelers to prepare, stating, "Road works affecting the M25 could have major disruptions to those flying in and out of London's busiest airports next week." He also stresses the importance of accommodating extra travel time due to anticipated congestion, not just on the motorway itself but also on potential alternative routes, which may become particularly clogged as well.
Our research indicates UK holidaymakers typically arrive only 1.5 hours before short haul flights and three hours prior to long haul flights. Given the road conditions, he advises travelers to explore other transport options, including train services directly connecting to the airports, as they may be more reliable during this busy period.
Despite these warnings, Iturmendi made sure to point out the tricky situation concerning compensation, saying, "If travelers miss their flights, it's unlikely any compensation will be offered, as the disruptions are unrelated to airlines or airports themselves. Travelers are encouraged to check our guide on whether travel insurance will cover missed flights."
On top of this impending infrastructure work, there are immediate challenges on the M25 due to incidents causing delays. A recent crash on the motorway near Godstone led to lane closures affecting drivers traveling anti-clockwise from junction 6 for the A22 (Godstone) to junction 5 for the M26. This lane closure has compounded existing traffic issues on the motorway, causing frustration for those who frequently navigate this major route.
Meanwhile, additional roadworks to pour concrete at Cockrow bridge will necessitate closures on the A3 both ways from the junction 10 interchange and the B2215/A247 at Send, starting from 9 PM on Saturday, March 1, and reopening at 9 AM on Sunday, March 2. For those relying on the M25 rail line, this is another hurdle to bear as conditions are expected to remain challenging over the weekend.
Traffic is expected to ease shortly after the initial incidents, as reports indicate all lanes have reopened, which has led to improved traffic flow. Nevertheless, lane restrictions remain on the M25, especially from J6 A22 (Godstone) to J5 M26, with queueing traffic as commuters resume their journeys.
Adding to the congestion forecasted on the M25, this weekend also sees the transportation of a giant transformer from Essex to Bedfordshire. The National Grid will escort this heavy load on Sunday evening, March 2, with police coordination expected to affect traffic from 6 PM onwards.
The electrical transformer, weighing 178 tonnes and bound for the Sundon substation, is planned to leave Tilbury Docks at around 10 PM. Its route will include sections along the A13, the M25, and briefly on the A12 before rejoining the M25. The convoy will be accompanied by Essex Police, who routinely manage similar large-load operations to control traffic disruptions.
Transport for London has already advised road users to expect delays along the route following the transformer’s movement, set to arrive at Sundon around 4 AM on Monday, March 3. Residents along the planned route have been notified of these arrangements, which aim to occur overnight to minimize disruption for other road users.
Essex Police confirmed the operation is standard for transporting freight of this size, which has historical precedence; the recent delivery of two other 178-tonne transformers to Brixton substation on January 20 and February 03 exemplifies the regularity of such traffic disruptions on the M25.
For motorists gearing up for unpredictable conditions over the weekend, proactive measures are recommended. Ensuring ample travel time and exploring alternative transport methods could be the key to avoiding the worst of the disruptions. With the combined challenges of construction, accidents, and unusual transport, the M25 is currently presenting significant logistical challenges for drivers heading to and from London against the backdrop of necessary upgrades and scheduled transport operations.