M25 closure set to cause travel chaos this weekend

National Highways have announced that the M25 motorway will close in both directions between junctions 10 and 11 from 9pm Friday 15th March to 6am Monday 18th March – and there are expected to be significant travel delays as a result.

The closure is happening, so that the Clearmount Bridleway Bridge can be demolished, and a large new gantry can be installed.

This is the first time the M25 will be closed for a full weekend.

Worryingly for drivers, this will be the first of five closures before September 2024, and National Highways have already warned motorists of long delays.

Regarding the first set of closures, they have stated that those travelling to Gatwick and Heathrow airports and Channel ports will likely be affected.

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.”

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Although National Highways had already contacted local government officials, they also have stated that these closures were scheduled to be made to ‘not conflict with holiday periods or key events in the area’.

However, they did reveal that all dates were subject to change. They will make further announcements in the weeks ahead.

RAC breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “With the M25 closures and the Easter getaway both falling in March, it could be a month of double traffic trouble for drivers trying to get around London or access Gatwick and Heathrow.

“Despite fair warning, the reality is most holidaymakers seeking to use either airport will have booked their trips months ago and will have to leave a lot more time to get there – not least because the most obvious diversion routes are likely to get extremely congested.

“If you do plan to drive between the 15th and 18th, we recommend starting your car to test its battery health well in advance of travelling and remembering FORCES to check the Fuel, Oil, Rubber, Coolant, Electrics and Screen wash before making any long journey.”

What do you make of the closures? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.