Monday, September 16, 2024

Highways Magazine – ‘Only travel if necessary’: M25 faces third closure

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A stretch of the M25 in Surrey will be closed for a third time next month as part of National Highways’ M25 Junction 10 scheme.

The motorway will close between junctions 10 and 11 from 9pm on Friday 12 July to 6am on Monday 15 July 2024 for the construction and installation of a bridge on the western gyratory of the roundabout at the junction.

The scheme’s webpage tells drivers to ‘only travel if necessary’ during what is the third of five full weekend closures of the M25 to take place, with a further two due later this year.

As Highways has reported, the work has caused significant delays and disruption in addition to the full closures.

New bridges east and west of the A3 will carry an enlarged roundabout over the M25

The new bridge consists of 68 beams, each weighing 16 tonnes, and another four beams weighing 40 tonnes.

A previous closure in May saw identical work being carried out on the eastern gyratory.

Senior project manager Jonathan Wade said: ‘The previous two closures have gone well with significant progress being made during both.

‘We would urge all drivers to follow the official diversion route as this is the best chance of reaching your destination in good time. Please ignore your satnavs and follow our diversion route instead.’

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: ‘With most drivers following the official advice, major congestion was averted during previous M25 closures and there’s no reason why the same can’t happen this time.’

National Highways said that it and delivery partner Balfour Beatty Atkins are working with key stakeholders in the lead up to this closure, including emergency services, Surrey County Council, local businesses and Gatwick and Heathrow Airports.

The £317m scheme to upgrade the junction with the A3 Wisley Interchange began in late 2022 and is due to continue until summer 2025.

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