The UK's busiest motorway, the M25, is facing a complete weekend shutdown, plunging drivers into chaos with a massive 19-mile diversion. The unprecedented closure between Junctions 10 and 11 in both directions is for a crucial bridge demolition and gantry installation, part of a £317 million improvement project.
The shutdown began at a precise 9pm on Friday, 10th May, and will remain in force until 6am on Monday, 13th May. National Highways has issued a stern warning for drivers to only travel if absolutely necessary, with severe congestion anticipated throughout the weekend.
Official Diversion Route in Place
A signed diversion route is actively guiding motorists around the closed section:
- Northbound: A3 to Painshill Junction, A245 towards Woking, and then A320 to M25 Junction 11.
- Southbound: A320 south towards Woking, A245 towards Byfleet, and then A3 to M25 Junction 10.
This diversion adds a significant 19 miles to journeys, with officials warning that even minor roads could become gridlocked as sat-navs attempt to find alternative shortcuts.
Critical Work Underway
The closure allows engineers to safely demolish the Clearmount bridleway bridge and install a new, larger gantry. This work is a pivotal phase in the Junction 10 upgrade scheme, which aims to increase capacity and improve safety at one of the motorway's most notorious bottlenecks.
Project lead Jonathan Wade from National Highways emphasised the necessity of the full closure, stating it is the safest and most efficient way to conduct this large-scale engineering feat.
Urgent Advice for Motorists
Drivers are being urged to completely avoid the area unless their journey is essential. Those who must travel should expect their journeys to take considerably longer and are advised to allow extra time.
This is the second of five planned full closures on the M25, with the next expected in the autumn. The message from authorities remains clear: plan ahead, follow the official diversion, or stay away to avoid getting caught in lengthy delays.
