M25 closures – all you need to know

In this driving advice guide, we explain where M25 closures are happening, when there will be roadworks, and when the motorway will be closed.

Find the latest M25 traffic news here.

When and where will the M25 be closed next?

Overnight lane closures will be in place as part of ongoing works around Junction 10.

The A3 northbound between Ripley and Junction 10 will be reduced to a single lane from 10pm to 5.30am on 10 August.

Further overnight lane closures will then affect Painshill Roundabout, its slip roads and sections of the A245 from 11 to 14 August, operating from 10pm to 5.30am Tuesday to Thursday, and 11pm to 6am on Friday.

Drivers should allow extra time for journeys and expect delays in the area.

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Where is the M25?

The M25 is a major motorway that encircles Greater London and is often referred to as the London Orbital.

It runs for about 117 miles (188 km) and connects several key motorways, including the M1, M3, M4, M11, and others, making it a crucial part of the road network around London.

For drivers, it is also known as one of the busiest motorways in the UK.

The M25 acts as a bypass, helping traffic avoid entering central London while still connecting people to various routes leading into and out of the city.

It also serves as a key transport route for travellers, linking major airports (like Heathrow and Gatwick), crossings, and important ports (such as Dover).

The motorway has been given the nickname of ‘the world’s longest car park’ due to its high levels of traffic and roadworks.

Why are motorways closed?

According to the latest Government figures, there are over 2,300 miles of motorway in Great Britain – and closures are common.

These roads account for 1% of the total roads in Great Britain.

Motorways can be closed for a variety of reasons, primarily related to safety, maintenance, and upgrades.

Maintenance and upgrades

This is because they need regular maintenance and repair work, such as resurfacing, bridge repairs, signposting, smart motorway upgrades, camera upkeep, and general road improvements.

During these works, sections of the motorway – and the slip roads – may need to be closed to ensure the safety of both workers and drivers.

Large-scale projects like junction upgrades, the construction of new roads, or the installation of new infrastructure often require sections of the motorway to be closed – often for extended periods of time.

Sometimes, safety improvements, such as the installation of new barriers, junction redesigns, or enhancements to lighting and signage, require temporary closures to ensure these measures are completed safely and effectively.

Maintenance or repair work on bridges, tunnels, or other major structures can lead to closures, especially when these areas are being upgraded or replaced.

Accidents and weather conditions

Accidents, oil spills, or broken down vehicles can temporarily close parts of a motorway.

This is because emergency services need to secure the area and clear the incident, which can take time depending on the severity of the situation.

Also, extreme and dangerous weather conditions like heavy snow, floods, or high winds can lead to road closures to protect drivers.

Authorities may close sections of the motorway until conditions improve and it’s safe to drive again.

Motorways, or parts of them, might be closed to allow for better traffic management or to facilitate emergency response efforts if weather or accidents are increasing in severity.

Who manages motorways in the UK?

Motorways in the UK are managed by different authorities in each nation.

In England, National Highways oversees the motorways and A roads across the country.

For north of the border, Transport Scotland is in charge of the road network.

In Wales, it is the responsibility of Traffic Wales.

Who manages the roads in London?

Although motorways are the responsibility of National Highways, local roads are managed by the relevant local authority. London roads are managed by Transport for London, with input from the council.