M25 closure: Motorway to shut between junctions 10 and 11 in 'unprecedented' move
This weekend marks a historic moment for the M25, the motorway encircling London, as National Highways undertakes a closure unprecedented since the motorway's inception in 1986.
Motorists are being strongly advised to reconsider their travel plans, heed warnings to avoid the area, and perhaps find leisure in domestic activities instead. The closure affects a five-mile stretch between junctions 10 and 11 in Surrey, initiating from 9pm Friday and anticipated to last until 6am Monday.
Jonathan Wade, a chief at National Highways, suggests residents take this unique opportunity to engage in home activities such as "decorating the bathroom" or "playing in the garden" instead of navigating the roadways. The closure, aimed at demolishing a bridge and installing a new gantry, is part of a broader initiative to enhance traffic flow and safety, particularly at junction 10, known for its hazardous conditions.
The gravity of this event cannot be understated. For the first time since its opening, the M25 will experience a scheduled daytime closure of all lanes, a move expected to significantly impact travel times. Original models predicted delays could extend up to five hours. However, with diversion routes and a plea for public cooperation, National Highways anticipates reducing additional travel time to around an hour, assuming a 50% reduction in traffic volume.
Drivers are particularly cautioned against following satnav directions, which may not account for the closure, and are instead directed to adhere strictly to official diversion routes. The importance of this advice is echoed by senior project manager Daniel Kittredge, who warns that straying from these routes could exacerbate congestion elsewhere on the network.
This weekend's closure is the first of five planned for the M25 this year, with three affecting the stretch between junctions 10 and 11, and two more planned between junctions 9 and 10. National Highways has committed to providing ample notice for these closures, ensuring minimal surprise and maximum preparation for affected motorists.
The initiative is not merely about immediate inconvenience but rather a long-term investment in the infrastructure of one of the UK's most vital transport arteries. By summer 2025, the project aims to increase lane numbers and improve junction 10's accessibility, tackling one of the nation's most notorious traffic bottlenecks.
In an era where travel and mobility have become almost second nature, this weekend serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of infrastructure maintenance and the collective responsibility of road users to adapt. While the closure of the M25 may pose temporary challenges, the anticipated improvements speak to a future of safer, more efficient travel. As such, this weekend presents an unusual, perhaps welcome, pause in our fast-paced lives, encouraging us to find joy in the simplicity of homebound activities or alternative modes of transport, all while contributing to the greater good of our communal road safety and convenience.
If you're considering a career change or looking to enhance your existing skills, now is the perfect time to take the initiative and enrol with Optima Electrical Training. With the availability of interest-free payment plans, it's easier than ever to get started.
Contact us today to embark on your training journey.
Contact us: Request Information
Email: info@optima-ect.com
Freephone +44 800 0371572