Drivers in the vicinity of the M25 in Surrey this weekend are being warned of a possible ‘carmageddon’ on the roads as the latest motorway closure clashes with the arrival of warmer weather.
The M25 section between junctions 9 (A243 Leatherhead) and 10 (A3 Wisley) will be shut in both directions from 9pm Friday 10 May to 6am Monday 13 May 2024 in the second of five planned closures for improvements.
As with the first closure, National Highways has warned drivers to expect delays and only travel if necessary, as the new 19-mile diversion route is longer than with the March closure.
The AA has now warned that roads in the area could see traffic chaos as the Met Office predicts temperatures could hit 24 degrees in London this weekend. As a result, families who saw their early May Bank Holiday plans rained off are likely to head to attractions such as Thorpe Park and Legoland.
The closure also clashes with remaining Premier League fixtures on the Saturday while Sunday is also expected to be busy as Wembley Stadium stages the Women’s FA Cup Final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, adding further congestion to the UK’s busiest motorway.
All drivers are advised to stick to the signed diversion routes to avoid any Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charges that may usually apply. The Ultra Low Emission Zone will remain in force on all other routes in London across the weekend.
Drivers of over-height vehicles are advised to visit the National Highways website for information on an alternative route.
Chris Wood, AA Patrol of the Year, said: “With an upturn in the weather forecast and numerous sporting events this weekend it’s likely to be incredibly busy in and around London, particularly the M25 Junctions 8 to 10. We advise drivers to plan their journeys accordingly, avoid the west side of the M25 if possible, but if not to expect delays and stick to the detour routes.”
The work is being carried out under the Junction 10 improvement scheme, which will increase the number of lanes to make journeys safer and add 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.
This weekend’s closure will mark the second of five full weekend closures planned to carry out the improvements. The closure in March – the first scheduled daytime all-lanes shutdown on the M25 since it opened in 1986 – had been expected to bring the “worst traffic jam ever”, but delays were largely minimal due to many drivers avoiding the area or rethinking plans.
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.”
Details of this weekend’s M25 closure and diversion, along with full project information, are available here.
