RAC predicts major delays from M25 closures starting this weekend

The RAC is warning fleets and drivers to expect substantial delays from planned closures to the M25 starting this weekend.

The new closures, announced by National Highways in February, follow three planned weekend closures last year, as work to improve safety at one the motorway’s busiest junctions continues. 

The scheme to upgrade Junction 10 in Surrey is already improving driver journeys, says National Highways, with jet lanes now carrying traffic through the junction while avoiding traffic signals. 

To allow work on the next phases of the project to be completed safely, the motorway will shut for two full weekends this month (March), starting this weekend. 

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “Without careful planning, drivers could face some really lengthy tailbacks during the eight days of M25 closures that start this weekend. 

“We expect diversion routes, especially along the A3, to become heavily congested.”

The weekend closures, which will see old bridges demolished and removed, are due to take place from 9pm on Friday (March 7), to 6am on Monday (March 10), and from 9pm on Friday, March 21, to 6am on Monday, March 24. 

Fleets and motorists travelling to London and surrounding areas are among those urged to plan their journeys well in advance and ensure they allow extra time or make alternative travel arrangements. 

Simpson continued: “Those that do decide to drive on either weekend should prepare to spend much longer on the roads and make sure they have plenty of fuel or charge for their trips.”

National Highways says that this is the final block of closures on the M25 as this scheme nears completion. 

Jonathan Wade, National Highways senior project manager, said: “We were grateful to drivers who listened to our advice during the three weekend closures last year and I’d again urge them 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.  

“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.” 

While the fundamental elements of the scheme which affect drivers day-to-day are still expected to be finished this summer, the final completion date for the project has now been moved back to spring 2026. 

Wade continued: “Periods of extreme weather in 2024 delayed some elements of our work but since then we’ve worked hard to recoup that time and still complete the on-road elements on schedule. 

“We are already seeing some of the benefits of this project, which will help reduce congestion, create a smoother flow of traffic and provide safer journeys for thousands every day.”