M25 Reopens Early After Weekend Bridge Works
Britain’s busiest motorway, the M25, is back open sooner than expected after a weekend shutdown. The closure, which hit both directions between junctions 9 and 10 in Surrey, had motorists stuck on a 19-mile diversion while a new bridge was installed.
Bridge Installation Blitz: 72 Giant Concrete Beams Lifted
Initially set to reopen at 6am Monday, the M25 was fully operational seven hours ahead of schedule, with traffic flowing smoothly according to National Highways. Over the weekend, crews installed 72 concrete beams, each weighing up to 40 tonnes, using specialised lifting gear. In total, they hoisted a staggering 1,248 tonnes of material as part of a £317 million project to upgrade junction 10.
Motorists Thanked for Patience as Delays Hit Surrounding Areas
National Highways thanked drivers for bearing with the disruption and stressed the importance of following official diversion routes. Surrey Highways reported major delays in West Byfleet and Leatherhead, but with the motorway reopened, normal traffic flow has resumed and congestion eased.
ULEZ Warning for Drivers Ignoring Diversions
While no fines will be issued for using the long diversions, drivers who ignored diversion signs and entered London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) faced a daily £12.50 charge if their vehicles failed emissions standards. Authorities urged people to stick to official instructions and only travel if necessary, recommending alternative transport where possible.
The completed bridge installation is a major step forward in improving the UK’s road network, promising safer and smoother journeys for millions across the country.
