The M25 is next set to close for a third time this year. The London orbital motorway partially shut in both directions for three days in March, and again in May to allow for major work to be done. It's being blocked off again this weekend.
The motorway is the UK's busiest. Previous closures saw heavy congestion and long diversions, so it’s good to get ahead on the next round of disruption to make sure you’re not caught unawares and have a solid plan in place.
This time, the M25 will shut both ways between junction 10 and 11 from Friday July 12 to Monday July 15. Here’s everything you need to know about the M25 closures this weekend, including official diversions and the reasons for its closure.
When is the M25 closing in July?
The road will be shut off from 9pm on Friday July 12 and opened back up at 6am on Monday July 15.
Where is the M25 closed exactly?
The motorway will close in both north and southbound directions between junctions 10 and 11.
Why is it closing?
Essential works are being done to the area, including improving the roads and installing a brand new bridge at the roundabout on junction 10. This is all part of a £317 million plan to make the M25 more safe and eco-friendly.
Has the M25 ever closed before?
This will mark the third time ever that the M25 has closed. The first was earlier this year in March, and the second in May. There will be a few more closures this year to ensure all work is completed.
What is the diversion route?
The diversion route will be the same as it was the first time the road closed back in March, in both directions. According to National Highways, these are the following diverted routes northbound and southbound respectively.
- North bound A3 to Painshill Junction, A245 towards Woking, and then A320 to M25 Junction 11.
- A320 south towards Woking, A245 towards Byfleet and Painshill junction, Southbound A3 to Junction 10.
Here is a visual of the diversions to help you plan your journey:
What’s the advice for drivers?
If you can, avoid at all costs. National Highways recommends that you avoid driving near junctions 10 and 11 and opt for public transport where possible.
If that’s not doable for you and you're braving the storm, prepare for severe delays and give yourself loads of extra time to travel.
What’s the best way to get to Heathrow and Gatwick?
If you are travelling to an airport via car or taxi, the only real way to make sure you make your flight is to leave with loads of time to spare. The earlier the better, really.
However, if you are able to, it’s probably more straightforward to just get the train from London.
Heathrow is accessible via the Elizabeth line, the Piccadilly line, or the Heathrow Express from Paddington.
You can get to Gatwick using 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 next be closed?
Although no dates beyond July have been set for the M25 to be shut, it’s predicted that works will be taking place sporadically until next summer, so keep an eye out from August onwards to see when the next complete closures will be.
We’ll keep you updated as soon as info comes out, so be sure to check back.
How do I check road closures in the UK?
The best way to stay up to date on road closures across the country is to check the National Highways website.
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