M25 Daytime Shutdown in Surrey Sparks Traffic Fears – But Traffic Keeps Moving
Work on a vital five-mile stretch of the M25 in Surrey is charging ahead after the motorway shut down in both directions for the first-ever daytime closure since it opened in 1986. The closure between junctions 10 and 11 began Friday night and will last until early Monday, allowing workers to demolish a bridge and install a brand-new gantry.
Traffic Chaos? Not Quite
Many feared gridlock and chaos, but National Highways South East says traffic flowed better than expected. Congestion stayed manageable on an 11.5-mile diversion using alternative A roads through Byfleet, West Byfleet, Woking, and Ottershaw.
Amanda Boote from Woking Borough Council said, “The traffic situation on the diversion route was not as bad as we originally feared.”
But Local Businesses Brace for Hits
Despite smoother traffic, traders along the diversion routes aren’t so upbeat. Some fear a sharp drop in customers over the weekend will dent takings.
Mark Pollak, owner of Billy Tong, warned, “We expect a big slump in revenue while the closure lasts.”
Big Changes Ahead for Junction 10
The £100 million upgrade aims to make one of the UK’s busiest and most dangerous junctions safer and less congested. By summer 2025, drivers can expect more lanes and better flow, easing the daily slog for thousands of motorists, including those heading to Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
While the closure is a wrench for travellers and traders now, these vital improvements promise smoother journeys and safer roads once complete.
