Motorists warned M25 closed in both directions this weekend

Motorists are being warned that the M25 will be closed for a second weekend from Friday (May 10) after it was shut in both directions for the first time in March.

The busy motorway will be closed in both directions between junctions 9 (A243 Leatherhead) and 10 (A3 Wisley) from 9pm Friday (May 10) to 6am Monday (May 13).

The closure involves a different stretch from the closure which took place in March and this time a 19-mile diversion route will be in place which uses the A3 and the A243.

National Highways says that it expects long delays and is urging drivers to only travel if necessary. 

Drivers using the signed diversion route will not be subject to any Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charges that may usually apply.

The ULEZ, however, will remain in force on all other routes in London across the weekend.

National Highways intends to close the M25 for three more weekends this year but stressed that there will be no weekend closures in June. The remaining closures will take place between July and the end of 2024.

The date of the next closure will be announced as soon as the May closure is over, it added.

This closure is for the installation of a new bridge consisting of 68 beams, each weighing 16 tonnes, and another 4 beams weighing 40 tonnes.

Jonathan Wade, National Highways senior project manager, said: “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.

“Drivers listened to our advice last time which reduced motorway traffic levels by over two thirds and meant delays were limited.

“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.”

The Junction 10 improvement scheme will see an increase in the number of lanes to make journeys safer and new junction layout to improve traffic flow.

It will also make it easier and safer to enter and exit the M25, and reduce the pollution caused by traffic jams, says National Highways.

Diversion routes

Diversion route clockwise for all but over-height vehicles: Leave M25 at junction 8, A217 (Reigate). Follow the A217 London, Sutton, (A240) Kingston.

After 3½ miles turn left onto the A240 Epsom, Kingston. After 3 miles at the Esso roundabout, turn right onto the A24 (A240) Kingston. Continue for 3 miles and turn left onto the A3 Portsmouth, Guildford. Continue for 9½ miles to the M25 and re-join the motorway at junction 10.

Diversion route anticlockwise for all but over-height vehicles: Leave M25 at junction 10 to join the A3 towards London.

After 9½ miles at the Hook interchange leave the A3 turning right onto the A240 Epsom, Reigate. Continue for 3 miles to the Esso roundabout and turn left onto the A240 Reigate. Continue for 3 miles then turn right onto the A217 Reigate, M25. After 3½ miles turn left to re-join the M25 motorway at junction 8.