National Highways has announced two full weekend closures of a section of the M25 this month as part of its hugely disruptive Junction 10 improvement scheme, which is now officially set to run into next year.
This weekend, the government-owned company plans to close the motorway for bridge demolition between junctions 10 and 11 from 9pm Friday 7 March until 6am Monday 10 March.
It has advised drivers to travel only if necessary and, if travelling, to expect delays and leave ‘a lot of extra time’ for their journeys.
The M25 will again be closed for bridge demolition between junctions 10 and 11 from 9pm Friday 21 until 6am on Monday 24 March.
Diversions will be the same for both March closures.
Vehicles travelling clockwise will be diverted at Junction 10 to join the A3 northbound and then onto the A243 at Painshill and the A320 to rejoin the M25 at Junction 11.
Vehicles travelling anticlockwise will be diverted at Junction 11 to join the A320 southound, then onto the A245 to Painshill and onto the A3 southbound to rejoin the M25 at Junction 10.
National Highways advised that avoiding the closure by taking the M25 via the Dartford Crossing may be quicker.
RAC spokesperson Alice Simpson said: ‘Without careful planning, drivers could face some really lengthy tailbacks during the eight days of M25 closures that start this weekend. We expect diversion routes, especially along the A3, to become heavily congested.
‘Anyone with a ticket to see England’s World Cup qualifying match at Wembley on Friday 21 March should be aware that the fixture clashes with one of the road closures.
‘We’d advise drivers to set off very early, especially if heading to the venue from Sussex and Kent. Public transport will also be extremely busy.’
The £317m scheme began in 2022 and was due to finish this summer but, as Highways reported in January, is now officially set to finish in 'Spring 2026'.
