The M25 is the busiest road in the UK. As London’s ring road and one of the world's largest orbital motorways, it carries around 200,000 vehicles a day. So you can bet that when parts of it close off, chaos ensues.
But right now the motorway is in need of some major upgrades and is in the middle of a series of planned closures. Needs must. When the M25 first closed for infrastructure improvements back in March 2024, it was the first time there had scheduled daytime shutdown of all lanes since it opened in 1986.
Since then, the M25 has shut two other times, with three more weekend closures planned so far this year – this weekend (February 21-24) and two more in March. Here’s what you need to know about the closures next month and how they will impact your journey.
When is the M25 closing in March?
The motorway is partly shutting again from March 7 to 10 and March 21 to 24. For both weekends, the closures start at 9pm on the Friday and end at 6am on Monday.
Where is the M25 closed?
Specifically, the M25 will be shut in both directions between junctions 10 and 11 in Surrey, which is a five mile stretch between Wisley and Chertsey.
Why is it closing?
The junction 10 shutdown is part of ongoing work being done to the road, including new lanes being added and old bridges being demolished and removed. It’s hoped the work will reduce congestion, create a smoother flow of traffic and allow for safer journeys.
The upgrades were meant to be finished this coming summer. But due to ‘extreme weather’ that’s now been pushed back to spring 2026.
What’s the diversion route?
National Grid says that it will add diversion route details to this page closer to each affected weekend.
What’s the advice for drivers?
Jonathon Wade, a senior project manager at National Highways, said: ‘We were grateful to drivers who listened to our advice during the three weekend closures last year and I’d again urge them to only use the motorway if their journey is absolutely necessary.
‘Unfortunately, it’s simply not possible to carry out this scale of infrastructure improvement, which will benefit millions of people in the long term, without there being some degree of short-term disruption
‘We have spent months planning these closures, but they will still cause significant congestion and delays, so we are asking road users to allow extra time and use alternative routes where possible. Please follow our official diversion routes and not information from satnavs.’
What’s the best way to get to Heathrow and Gatwick?
If you’re travelling to Heathrow or Gatwick via car, coach or cab, the best way to make sure you make your flight is to leave with loads of time to spare and make sure to check the diversion route well in advance.
But, if you can, you’re probably better off getting the train from London. Heathrow is accessible via the Elizabeth line, the Piccadilly line, or the Heathrow Express from Paddington. For Gatwick you can catch a direct train from London Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Farringdon, London St Pancras and London Bridge. You could also use the Gatwick Express from London Victoria, or get on a Great Western Railway service to the airport from Reading.
When will the M25 be closed next?
We’re afraid to say that there will be more M25 closures following the ones in March, since work is going on ’til spring next year. But no specific dates have been confirmed yet.
Stansted Express trains will be cancelled for five weekends: here’s how to get to London Stansted Airport on time during weekend closures.
London train strikes February 2025: Elizabeth line, RMT strike dates and everything you need to know.
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