Drivers are set to face significant delays as a section of the M25 shuts in both directions this weekend – with more disruption coming later this month.
The closures are part of a £317m improvement project for junction 10 in Surrey – one of the UK’s busiest and most dangerous motorway junctions.
Diversion routes have been set up, but drivers have been told to only travel if necessary, with lengthy delays expected.
British Airways has warned those heading to Gatwick or Heathrow to leave plenty of extra time for their journeys.
There was a two mile-long traffic jam when the motorway’s first-ever planned daytime closure began in March last year along the same route – but many drivers followed advice to steer clear of the area for most of the weekend, meaning long hold-ups were widely avoided.
Here is everything you need to know about the latest closures.
When and where is the closure this weekend?
It is the five-mile stretch from junction 10 (Wisley) to 11 (A320 Chertsey) and will last from 9pm on Friday 7 March before reopening by 6am on Monday 10 March.
What is the diversion route?
If you are travelling clockwise from junction 10 to 11, you’ll be diverted from the M25 at junction 10 to join the A3 northbound. At Painshill, take the A245, then the A320 rejoin the M25 at junction 11.
For those going anticlockwise from junction 11 to 10, you’ll be diverted from the M25 at junction 11 to join the A320 southound, then take the A245 to Painshill. At Painshill, take the A3 southbound to rejoin the M25 at junction 10.
Here is a map showing the diversion route:
National Highways suggests avoiding the closure by taking the M25 via the Dartford Crossing may also be quicker.
Satnav suggestions and ULEZ zones
Last time this stretch was closed, National Highways advised drivers to make sure they followed the diversion route, which sticks to A roads, and ignore their satnavs if they start suggesting minor roads.
It said going onto minor roads could cause more congestion in residential areas.
The diversion route does not go through any part of the ULEZ area, meaning drivers whose vehicles are not ULEZ compliant don’t have to worry about paying a fee.
What other closures are planned?
Junctions 10 and 11 will be closed again from 9pm on Friday 21 March to 6am on Monday 24 March.
National Highways says the diversion route will be the same.
Then the A3 will be closed in both directions between Junction 10 and Painshill Roundabout/A245 from 9pm on Friday 11 April to 6am on Monday 14 April.
Travel advice for closure days
National Highways has warned that all closures can change at short notice, advising drivers to check its daily closures page before travelling.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “Without careful planning, drivers could face some really lengthy tailbacks during the eight days of M25 closures.
“Friday 21 March coincides with England’s World Cup qualifying match against Albania at Wembley, meaning diversion routes are likely to be even more congested than usual.”
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Ms Simpson continued: “We’d advise setting off very early, especially if heading to the venue from Sussex and Kent. Public transport will also be extremely busy.
“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.
“It’s also important to do some vehicle checks to avoid a breakdown: ensure tyres are in good condition and inflated to the correct pressure, and that oil and coolant are at the right levels.”
What’s all this for?
The March closures are for bridge demolition, but overall they are part of the government-owned National Highways’ £317m rejuvenation project for junction 10.
It is one of the UK’s busiest and most dangerous motorway junctions, with more than 300,000 vehicles passing through every day.
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The three-year project, which is due to be completed in summer 2025, will increase the number of lanes at Junction 10 by four.
National Highways says the scheme also includes new and safer routes for cyclists, pedestrians and horse-riders, a larger roundabout with extra lanes to increase capacity and improvements to the local environment and wildlife.
It adds that all of the changes will “will reduce congestion, create a smoother flow of traffic and provide safer journeys for thousands every day”.
