Motorists should prepare for significant changes as the M25 between junctions 9 and 10 closes from Friday 10 May to Monday morning.
- This closure is the second in a series designed to enhance infrastructure as part of the £24bn road investment.
- National Highways urges only essential travel, citing previous closures’ success in reducing congestion.
- A 19-mile diversion is arranged via the A3 and A240, with no additional ULEZ charges for those routes.
- Further weekend closures of the M25 are planned to continue throughout the year.
The upcoming closure of the M25 motorway between junctions 9 and 10 marks a critical phase in the government’s extensive £24bn road investment strategy. This particular segment of motorway is being shut down from the evening of Friday 10 May until the early hours of Monday morning to facilitate the installation of a new bridge. This development underlines the ongoing commitment to infrastructure improvement and the anticipated impact on traffic flow.
In March, the M25 witnessed its first such closure when a bridge was demolished and a gantry was installed. The government agency, National Highways, has highlighted that the alternative routes for this closure are longer and more complex, particularly for over-height vehicles. Drivers are advised to undertake travel only when absolutely necessary. As Jonathan Wade, National Highways senior project manager, emphasised: “This is far from a repeat of the previous closure, as the alternative routes are longer and will be different for over height vehicles and all other traffic.”
The diversion route for the closure extends 19 miles, utilising the A3 and A240. Importantly, drivers who choose to follow the signed diversion won’t incur any ULEZ charges that might typically be enforced. National Highways has projected further closures throughout the year, signalling that these disruptions may be expected as the improvement works continue.
Lessons from the previous closure have shown that adherence to advice can significantly reduce congestion, as motorway traffic levels previously fell by more than two-thirds. In light of this, National Highways reiterates its plea for motorists to consider their travel necessities critically and allow additional time for their journeys if the M25 is used. “Our advice again is please only travel if absolutely necessary and make sure you give yourself extra time if you do choose to use the M25,” Wade further advises.
As one of the busiest motorways encircling London, the M25 is a vital transportation artery. Thus, the strategic planning and execution of its temporary closures are crucial to maintaining traffic fluidity in the long term. The communication from National Highways aims to mitigate the short-term inconveniences of such projects by implementing effective diversions and conveying essential information to the public.
The M25 closures, while temporarily disruptive, are integral to long-term infrastructure enhancements.
