Drivers have been warned to anticipate ‘lengthy delays’ as a second weekend closure of the M25 was introduced immediately with a diversionary route stretching for almost 20 miles.
The seven-mile part of the motorway between junctions 9 and ten in Surrey can be closed in each instructions from 9pm on Friday, Could 10 till 6am on Monday, Could 13 whereas concrete beams for a brand new bridge and gantry are lifted into place.
Nationwide Highways stated this would be the second of 5 weekend closures of the London orbital motorway as a part of a £317million venture to enhance junction ten.
The closure between junction 9 close to Leatherhead and junction ten close to Wisley will see motorists embark on a 19-mile diversion route utilizing the A3 and A243.
Officers additionally confirmed that drivers utilizing the signed diversion route won’t be topic to any Extremely Low Emission Zone (Ulez) costs which will normally apply – though Ulez will stay in power on all different routes in London throughout the weekend.
Final month, there had been fears of extreme congestion on diversion routes forward of the primary M25 closure on a different section between junctions ten and 11 – however many drivers adopted recommendation to keep away from the realm, which means lengthy hold-ups have been averted.
Workman on the part of the M25 between junctions ten and 11 in Surrey on March 16 when it was closed in each instructions whereas a bridge was demolished and a brand new gantry put in
Autos queue alongside the highway going into Weybridge in Surrey in the course of the closure on March 16
A closed part of the M25 on March 17 for works to take away a bridge and set up a brand new gantry
Nationwide Highways senior venture supervisor Jonathan Wade warned that the subsequent shutdown can be ‘removed from a repeat of the earlier closure’ because the diversion routes are ‘longer and can be totally different for over-height autos and all different visitors’.
This closure is for the set up of a brand new bridge consisting of 68 beams, every weighing 16 tonnes, and one other 4 beams weighing 40 tonnes.
Mr Wades stated: ‘Drivers listened to our recommendation final time which decreased motorway visitors ranges by over two-thirds and meant delays have been restricted.
‘Our recommendation once more is please solely journey if completely essential and be sure you give your self further time for those who do select to make use of the M25.’
Among the many folks affected can be these travelling to, from and between the UK’s two busiest airports, Heathrow and Gatwick.
The closure final month was the primary deliberate daytime shutdown of the M25 because it opened in 1986.
The venture, as a result of be accomplished in summer time 2025, will enhance the variety of lanes at junction ten, which has been described as one of many UK’s busiest and most harmful motorway junctions.
Officers say the brand new junction structure to enhance visitors circulate, making it simpler and safer to enter and exit the M25 and cut back air pollution brought on by visitors jams.
Between 4,000 and 6,000 autos usually use the M25 between junctions 9 and 11 in every route each hour from 10am till 9pm at weekends.
As much as 270,000 autos move by way of this junction every weekday, making it one of many UK’s busiest stretches of highway.
A Nationwide Highways spokesman stated: ‘We anticipate lengthy delays. We have been so grateful to all drivers final time who made the closure successful by avoiding the stretch and finishing their journeys in different methods. We urge drivers to do the identical once more. ‘
The clockwise diversion route, for these travelling from Gatwick in direction of Heathrow, will see drivers informed to go away the M25 at junction eight for the A217 Reigate.
They need to then comply with the ‘A217 London, Sutton, (A240) Kingston’, after which after simply over three miles flip left onto the ‘A240 Epsom, Kingston’.
Fiona and Patrick Potter take a selfie on a bridge at Byfleet whereas the M25 is shut on March 16
Visitors builds up on the A320 St Peter’s Approach crossing the M25 in the course of the closure on March 16
Work on the part of the M25 between junctions ten and 11 in Surrey whereas shut on March 16
After three miles, on the Esso roundabout they need to flip proper onto the ‘A24 (A240) Kingston’ and proceed for 3 miles then flip left onto the ‘A3 Portsmouth, Guildford’.
They have to then proceed for almost ten miles to the M25 and re-join the motorway at junction ten.
Within the different route, the anticlockwise diversion route from Heathrow in direction of Gatwick will see visitors go away the M25 at junction ten to affix the A3 in direction of London.
After almost ten miles on the Hook interchange, motorists ought to go away the A3 turning proper onto the ‘A240 Epsom, Reigate’.
They have to then proceed for 3 miles to the Esso roundabout and switch left onto the ‘A240 Reigate’ – earlier than driving for one more three miles then turning proper onto the ‘A217 Reigate, M25’. After simply over three miles they are going to flip left to re-join the M25 at junction eight.
Nationwide Highways stated it was working with its supply companion Balfour Beatty Atkins to liaise with the emergency providers, Surrey County Council, native companies and Gatwick and Heathrow airports within the lead as much as the subsequent closure.
A spokesman added: ‘Native residents, holidaymakers, concertgoers and sports activities followers ought to plan their journeys prematurely and ensure they permit further time or make various journey preparations.’
Nationwide Highways intends to shut the M25 for 3 extra weekends this 12 months, however has confirmed there can be no weekend closures in June.
The remaining closures will happen between July and December – with dates not anticipated to be introduced till after the closure subsequent month.
