Drivers are being warned of traffic issues on the M25 which will see the key motorway closes to make improvements to the vital route.
The M25 will be closed for a full weekend for the first time ever as National Highways warns drivers to plan their journeys more carefully.
The changes aim to make journeys safer and reduce pollution on roads across the vital stretch of motorway.
Motorists are being warned that the M25 will be shut between junctions 10 (A3 Wisley) and 11 (A320 Chertsey Interchange) from 9pm on Friday, March 15, to 6am on Monday, March 18, 2024.
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National Highways are warning drivers of long delays
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The stretch of the motorway will be closed to demolish the Clearmount bridleway bridge and install a "very large" gantry.
This will be the first of five closures between now and September 2024, with National Highways warning of “long delays and to only travel if necessary”.
The junction 10 improvement scheme will see an increase in the number of lanes to improve traffic flow and make it easier and safer to enter and exit the M25.
National Highways said that without a full closure to the motorway, it would be impossible to safely demolish the bridges and install the new gantry.
The carriageway between junctions 9 and 11 carries between 4,000 and 6,000 vehicles per hour in each direction between 10am and 9pm on a weekend.
Warnings have been issued for people going to concerts, sporting events and on holiday if they are travelling to London and the surrounding areas.
Drivers heading to Gatwick and Heathrow airports, as well as Channel ports, may be massively affected by the changes.
Jonathan Wade, National Highways Project Lead, said: “Drivers should only use the M25 if their journey is absolutely necessary.
“This is the first of five full closures of one of the busiest junctions on our road network.
“We have spent months planning for these closures and making sure there are diversion routes in place, but there will still be heavy congestion and delays.
“These improvements will bring long-term benefits to drivers who pass through this stretch of the M25, not to mention pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders who will also see positive changes in the area.”
National Highways has urged drivers to plan their journeys well in advance and make sure they allow extra time or make alternative travel arrangements.
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Five total closures are planned for the M25
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The next full closure of the M25 is expected to take place in April to allow for the installation of the new Clearmount bridleway bridge, although dates are subject to change.
Once the scheme is delivered, the new roads and bridges should be open to traffic in the summer of 2025, with National Highways managing closures to avoid causing maximum disruption during the holidays.