UK drivers brace for chaos as M25 closes huge 5-mile stretch for 48 hours
The M25 is set to shut for 48 hours next month as part of £317m improvement works.
UK drivers are bracing for chaos as the M25 closes a huge five-mile stretch for 48 hours.
Those using the road face gridlock next month with National Highways announcing closures between junctions 10 and 11 in Surrey from 9pm on July 12 to 6am on July 15.
The section of road between Heathrow and Gatwick being shut will mean holidaymakers will face diversions and lengthy journeys on A-roads.
These will be the third of five-weekend closures of the motorway - which encircles London - as part of a £317 million project to improve Junction 10. Shutting the motorway will enable the construction of a new bridge near the junction.
Closures in March and May sparked fears of severe congestion on diversion routes but many drivers followed advice to avoid the area and long queues were avoided.
National Highways said in a statement: “We're grateful to all drivers who avoided previous closures and completed their journeys in other ways. We urge you to do the same again. If you do travel, expect delays and please leave a lot of extra time for your journey.
“Local residents, holidaymakers, concertgoers, and sports fans should plan their journeys in advance and make sure they allow extra time or make alternative travel arrangements.”
July’s closure will come on a busy weekend with the Henley Royal Regatta and Wireless Festival, and as tens of thousands of people are expected to take to the roads to head on summer holidays.
National Highways senior project manager Jonathan Wade said: “The previous two closures have gone well, with significant progress being made during both.
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“We would urge all drivers to follow the official diversion route as this is the best chance of reaching your destination in good time.
“Please ignore your satnavs and follow our diversion route instead.”
National Highways is concerned that satnavs could direct some drivers on to minor roads after leaving the M25, creating gridlock in residential areas.
The project, due to be completed in summer 2025, will increase the number of lanes at Junction 10, which is one of the UK's busiest and most dangerous motorway junctions.
Between 4,000 and 6,000 vehicles normally use the M25 between Junctions 9 and 11 in each direction every hour from 10am until 9pm at weekends.
