Fleets and drivers warned ahead of M25 weekend closure

Fleets and their drivers are being warned by the RAC to again expect substantial delays from a planned closure to the M25 this weekend.

The latest closure, announced by National Highways in February, follows a closure earlier this month and three planned weekend closures last year, as work to improve safety at one the motorway’s busiest junctions continues. 

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

It will also make it easier and safer to enter and exit the M25, provide safer entry roads for Wisley, Pyrford, Old Byfleet and RHS Garden Wisley, and will reduce the pollution caused by traffic jams. 

This next weekend closure, which will see old bridges demolished and removed, is due to take place from 9pm on Friday (March 21) to 6am on Monday (March 24).  

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “This weekend’s M25 closures could present a ‘red card’ for drivers heading home from Wembley Stadium on Friday night. 

“With junctions 10 to 11 shutting at 9pm, just before the sold-out England game finishes, heavy congestion is almost inevitable for those traveling back to Sussex and Surrey. 

“We encourage football fans to seek alternative routes where possible or use public transport to minimise queuing in traffic. 

“The same advice applies to anyone using the M25 to visit London for the weekend or holidaymakers heading to Gatwick and Heathrow, both of which are easier to travel to by car.

“It’s absolutely essential that drivers follow the official diversion routes, rather than relying solely on their sat navs, to avoid being led off-course.”

Jonathan Wade, National Highways senior project manager, expressed his gratitude to drivers who listened to its advice during the three weekend closures last year and again urged drivers to only use the motorway if their journey is absolutely necessary.  

“Unfortunately, it’s simply not possible to carry out this scale of infrastructure improvement, which will benefit millions of people in the long term, without there being some degree of short-term disruption,” he added.   

“We have spent months planning these closures, but they will still cause significant congestion and delays, so we are asking road users to allow extra time and use alternative routes where possible. Please follow our official diversion routes and not information from satnavs.”