M25 closures: More chaos expected as second round of roadworks to cause delays this weekend

A new gantry was installed in March, with more closures set for May

Motorists have been warned of more expected delays on the M25 next month, as a large stretch of the infamous motorway is set to be closed.

National Highways says the seven miles between junctions nine and ten will be closed both ways from 9pm on Friday May 10 until 6am on Monday May 13. The decision to shut it was made to allow concrete beams for a new bridge and gantry to be lifted into place.

Drivers who need to travel will be sent on a 19-mile diversion route on the A3 and the A243. The closure is the second of five weekend closures as part of a £317 million project to improve Junction 10.

The first happened in March as drivers were urged to avoid the area. National Highways senior project manager Jonathan Wade Jonathan Wade, National Highways Senior Project Manager, said: “This is far from a repeat of the previous closure, as the alternative routes are longer and will be different for over height vehicles and all other traffic.

“Drivers listened to our advice last time which reduced motorway traffic levels by over two thirds and meant delays were limited. Our advice again is please only travel if absolutely necessary and make sure you give yourself extra time if you do choose to use the M25.”

The Junction 10 improvement scheme includes an increase in the number of lanes and a new junction layout to improve traffic flow. It will also make it easier and safer to enter and exit the M25, and reduce the pollution caused by traffic jams.

National Highways said in a statement: “We expect long delays. We were so grateful to all drivers last time who made the closure a success by avoiding the stretch and completing their journeys in other ways. We urge drivers to do the same again.

“If you do have to travel this stretch, please follow the diversion and do not follow your SatNav. Drivers using the signed diversion route will not be subject to any Ultra Low Emission Zone charges which may usually apply. The Ultra Low Emission Zone will remain in force on all other routes in London across the weekend

“We intend to close the M25 for three more weekends this year. There will be no weekend closures in June. The remaining closures will take place between July and the end of 2024. We will be in a position to announce the date of the next closure as soon as the May closure is over.”

Diversions planned for the weekend in May for all but over-height vehicles

Leave M25 at junction 8, A217 (Reigate). Follow the A217 London, Sutton, (A240) Kingston. After 3½ miles turn left onto the A240 Epsom, Kingston. After 3 miles at the Esso roundabout, turn right onto the A24 (A240) Kingston. Continue for 3 miles and turn left onto the A3 Portsmouth, Guildford. Continue for 9½ miles to the M25 and re-join the motorway at junction 10.

Leave M25 at junction 10 to join the A3 towards London. After 9½ miles at the Hook interchange leave the A3 turning right onto the A240 Epsom, Reigate. Continue for 3 miles to the Esso roundabout and turn left onto the A240 Reigate. Continue for 3 miles then turn right onto the A217 Reigate, M25. After 3½ miles turn left to re-join the M25 motorway at junction 8.