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 5.30am 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.”

Drivers have largely heeded National Highways’ advice during the previous closures, but senior project manager, Jonathan Wade, is urging road users to avoid complacency this weekend after a notable increase in traffic a fortnight ago. 

He also stressed the importance of following signed diversions, and not sat-navs, after seeing HGVs travelling on unsuitable routes, becoming stuck and clogging up roads. 

“We are now on the home straight of this complex project and we are pleased to say this is the last time the M25 will be closed over a full weekend,” he said. 

“Two weeks ago, when we last closed the motorway, we saw higher levels of traffic than in the previous three closures and it caused significant disruption and delays in local areas.” 

The works coincided with the year’s first real weekend of sunshine, and Wade is urging those looking to get out and about to carefully consider their plans. 

“We obviously want people to spend time enjoying themselves, we don’t want anyone to be stuck in long traffic jams,” he added.

“If you’re travelling around Surrey this weekend, I’d again urge you to only use the motorway and surrounding areas if your journey is absolutely necessary. 

“Please allow extra time and use alternative routes where possible, and make sure you follow our official diversions, and not information from sat-navs.” 

Those travelling clockwise will be diverted onto the A3 northbound at junction 10 and then the A245 and A320 before rejoining the M25 at junction 11.