The M25 motorway in Surrey is bracing for its second full closure of the year as improvement works forge ahead, announced National Highways. Scheduled from 10th to 13th May, the closure will span between junctions nine and 10, with extensive upgrades planned to enhance safety and mitigate pollution.
A key highlight of the project involves the installation of a new bridge, comprising 68 beams weighing 16 tonnes each, alongside four additional beams weighing 40 tonnes. This initiative forms part of a broader scheme aimed at bolstering safety measures and reducing environmental impact.
Jonathan Wade, representing National Highways, emphasized the importance of minimizing travel during the closure period, urging motorists to venture out only if absolutely necessary. He underscored that the upcoming closure is distinct from the previous shutdown in March, with longer diversion routes expected, particularly for overheight vehicles.
During the closure, four diversionary routes will be in operation, catering to different traffic flows, including clockwise and anticlockwise directions between Gatwick and Heathrow airports.
The improvement works are slated to occur between junctions nine (A243 Leatherhead) and 10 (A3 Wisley) from 21:00 BST on 10th May until 06:00 on 13th May. This initiative, part of a comprehensive £317 million upgrade program for the motorway, aims to augment lane capacity and optimize traffic flow through a redesigned junction layout.
With the carriageway between junctions nine and 11 witnessing substantial traffic volumes, ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 vehicles per hour in each direction during weekends, National Highways reiterated the significance of prudent travel planning and adherence to diversionary routes.
Following the May closure, three additional shutdowns are scheduled between July and the year’s end, marking continued efforts to enhance the M25’s infrastructure and facilitate safer, more efficient journeys for motorists.
