As the final closure of the M25 in Surrey gets underway this evening, drivers are being urged to take precautionary measures as more disruptions loom on the roads this weekend. From Friday night, the M25 will be fully closed from Junction 10 (Wisley) to Junction 11 (A320 Chertsey) for bridge demolition as part of the Wisley interchange project, which has been causing significant upheaval.
The restrictions will start at 9 PM on Friday, March 21, 2025, and last until 6 AM on Monday, March 24, 2025. Motorists are warned that this is the last full weekend closure planned for the M25 as part of the interchange project, however, additional works on the Surrey section of the A3 are on the horizon.
The need for these closures is underlined by National Highways, which reports that on average, 3,000 to 4,000 vehicles use this stretch of the M4 every hour during peak times. As the M4 will also experience closures, it makes it imperative for drivers to plan accordingly, especially with the M4 being shut in both directions between Junction 18 for Bath and Junction 19 for the M32 to demolish the A432 Badminton Road Bridge.
This M4 closure will be in effect from 7 PM on Friday, March 21, 2025, to 6 AM on Monday, March 24, 2025. National Highways indicates that drivers traveling along these roads should consider alternative routes to avoid substantial delay due to the expected traffic disruptions.
In addition to the M25 and M4 closures, several other main roads in Essex are also affected this weekend. As noted by National Highways England, a closure of the A12 southbound from Junction 25 to Junction 24 will take place for reconstruction renewal between 9 PM on Friday, March 21 and 5 AM on Saturday, March 22.
While closures for the Dartford Crossing are not scheduled at this time, drivers using the M25 between Junction 10 and 11 should be aware of the subsequent closure from 9 PM on Friday, March 21 to 6 AM on Monday, March 24.
As for the timeframe later in the weekend, an additional A12 carriageway closure will occur northbound between Junctions 28 and 29, also for reconstruction works, from 9 PM on Sunday, March 23 to 5 AM on Monday, March 24.
This significant stretch of renovations is part of ongoing efforts by National Highways to upgrade and maintain critical infrastructure, which will eventually contribute to increased road safety and better traffic flow.
According to Surrey Highways, the diversions have been established for drivers during this weekend closure to minimize disruption caused by the demolition. For those travelling clockwise, the diversion starts at M25 Junction 10, connecting to the A3 northbound, then taking the A245 and A320 to rejoin the M25 at Junction 11. Conversely, anti-clockwise drivers will be diverted from Junction 11 to the A320 southbound, moving onto the A245 and joining the A3 southbound to rejoin the M25 at Junction 10.
National Highways emphasizes that the best course of action for drivers is to avoid unnecessary travel during the closure periods and consider the train options as alternatives. This advice comes in light of past experiences where the volume of traffic increased on diversion routes leading to congestion.
Notably, during a recent closure, an HGV driver encountered difficulties by following GPS routes instead of adhering to designated diversion signs and got stuck near Pyrford Lock. This serves as cautionary advice for travelers to stick to official instructions provided by National Highways.
The Wisley interchange project ultimately looks toward completion in 2026, indicating a prolonged period of orchestration of works to enhance the road network in Surrey. With later phases slated to focus on the A3, there’s a comprehensive intention to deliver a more efficient route for all road users.
In summary, the weekend ahead poses several challenges for motorists with significant road closures in Surrey, Bristol, and Essex. Drivers are advised to plan their journeys, utilize diversions effectively, and remain conscious of increasing traffic volumes on alternate routes as they navigate through these necessary infrastructure improvements.
