Motorists are being advised to disregard satellite navigation systems and strictly adhere to authorized detour routes during an “extraordinary” closure of the M25 this weekend in order to prevent traffic congestion.
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Motorists have been advised to refrain from leaving their homes due to the unprecedented shutdown of the M25, which is predicted to result in chaotic and congested traffic this upcoming weekend.
Between Junctions 10 and 11 in Surrey, a five-mile section of the motorway was closed in both directions at 9pm on Friday. The closure is expected to last until 6am on Monday as crews work to demolish a bridge and install a new gantry.
This is the first scheduled daylight shutdown of the London orbital motorway, which was opened in 1986.
The National Highways organization reported that their analysis showed potential delays of up to five hours for vehicles during the upcoming weekend if no steps were taken to alleviate the situation, such as appealing to drivers not to travel.
Earlier this week, project lead Jonathan Wade advised, “If possible, refrain from traveling.”
On weekends between Junctions 9 and 11, the M25 typically has a traffic flow of 4,000 to 6,000 vehicles per hour in both directions from 10am to 9pm.
A route measuring 11.5 miles has been established to redirect motorway vehicles onto A roads.
Drivers are being urged not to rely on satnav systems.
The use of satnav systems is discouraged among drivers.
Motorists have been advised against using Satnav devices while a section of the M25 highway is shut down for the demolition of a bridge and installation of a new overhead structure.
Daniel Kittredge, senior project manager for National Highways, expressed concerns about potential complications that may arise from implementing the technology on the motorway.
“If individuals deviate from the prescribed diversion routes, it can lead to further problems in various areas of the road system,” he stated.
Most often, it will be the local roads that are affected, greatly impacting the residents living in those specific areas.
We are attempting to persuade individuals to refrain from relying on the GPS navigation system. Instead, please adhere to the designated detour route. This will be more practical for your trip.
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It is recommended that drivers refrain from using Satnavs during the closure of a five-mile section of the M25 highway.
The map for the closure of M25, detours, and alternative routes to take this weekend.
Motorists are being advised to disregard their satnavs in order to avoid causing traffic congestion during a highly unusual closure of the M25 this upcoming weekend.
The National Highways organization has announced that a five-mile section of the motorway in Surrey will be closed from 9pm on Friday until 6am on Monday.
According to the company’s calculations, individuals who adhere to the diversion signs on A-roads will experience an additional hour in travel time between junctions 10 and 11. This section will be closed in both directions.
What is the suggested diversion?
“It’s not going to be a pleasant sight this weekend,” said Jonathan Wade, the senior project manager for National Highways, in an interview with The Independent. “There are no clear alternative routes.”
If possible, please refrain from traveling and instead find activities to do at home, such as decorating the bathroom or playing in the garden.
“If you have to leave, consider using alternate methods of transportation such as taking a train, walking, or riding a bicycle.”
The alternate route includes the A3, A245, and A320.
Mr Wade is advising against driving near the detour routes in Painshill, Byfleet, and West Byfleet on the eastern side of Woking. He believes it would be in one’s best interest to avoid those areas.
Unfortunately, certain train routes are currently closed due to ongoing construction. This could potentially result in longer wait times for passengers since rail replacement buses may also be affected by heavy traffic congestion.
Listen to The Independent’s travel podcast with Jonathan Wade – the man who is closing the M25
The hospital is advising individuals to visit only in cases of urgency due to anticipated heavy traffic on the M25.
The staff at St. Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey are advising individuals to only come in for essential visits this weekend.
The statement indicated that there will be diversions in effect and significant traffic congestion in the immediate vicinity.
“Please factor in additional time for your journey, as it may take longer than normal.”
Several school sporting events planned for this weekend in the county of Surrey have been delayed due to the closure of the M25.
The council members express concern over the congestion of traffic during weekends.
Local representatives with wards on the alternate route expressed apprehension about potential outcomes.
“I believe it will be a challenging time, but it is important that we address the issue of the bridges,” stated Malcolm Cressey from the Runnymede Borough Council.
I believe it will cause a lot of chaos.
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I strongly recommend that everyone try to steer clear of the area.
“The situation could potentially result in a variety of traffic congestion in our vicinity.”
Tahir Aziz, a representative from Woking Borough Council, stated that they have never encountered a situation like this in the past.
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“This will greatly affect this specific region.”
This will result in significant disruptions and delays, as well as a high volume of traffic congestion.
Airport
Other options for getting to Heathrow and Gatwick Airport
Simon Calder suggests an alternate way to travel between Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
A convenient alternative is to utilize the Elizabeth Line from Heathrow to Farringdon in the heart of London, as it offers a seamless transfer to Thameslink trains. The duration of this trip typically takes around an hour and a half.
Unfortunately, National Rail does not provide fares for the entire trip. The workaround is to purchase two separate tickets, one from Heathrow to East Croydon and another from there to Gatwick. The total cost for a single ticket is £22.30.
What is the alternate route?
National Highways reported that they had thoroughly prepared for these closures and ensured that alternate routes are available. However, they acknowledge that there may still be significant traffic and delays.
Drivers are advised to follow the official route along the A3, A245, and A320 rather than relying on their navigation systems.
Daniel Kittredge, senior project manager at National Highways, noted that straying from designated diversion routes can cause problems in various areas of the road system.
Most of the time, these will be roads within the community, hence affecting the locals living in those regions.
A chart showing the alternative routes for the M25 closure.
The RAC cautions of a period of time with heightened traffic congestion.
Alice Simpson, spokesperson for RAC breakdown, stated that the combination of M25 closures and the Easter holiday could lead to a difficult month for drivers in London, especially those trying to reach Gatwick or Heathrow.
Even though they were warned beforehand, the truth is that the majority of people planning to travel from these airports likely made their reservations months in advance and will need to allocate more time for their journey. This is due to the fact that the alternative routes will probably be heavily congested.
“If you are planning to drive between the 15th and 18th, it is advised to start your vehicle early to check the battery’s condition before traveling. Also, do not forget to inspect the Fuel, Oil, Rubber, Coolant, Electrics, and Screen wash before embarking on a long journey.”
Residents in villages along the diversion route this weekend are worried about the potential chaos and confusion the closure of the M25 will bring.
The closure of the M25 this weekend will cause significant disruption and disorder for residents living in the villages on the diversion route. They are concerned about the potential difficulties it may bring.
The weekend closure of part of the M25 in Surrey will result in chaos as drivers are rerouted between Junctions 10 and 11 on the UK’s busiest highway.
Starting at 9pm on Friday 15 March until 6am on Monday 18 March, every lane of a five-mile portion of the M25 will be redirected to allow for the destruction of a bridge and the construction of a new overhead structure. This is the initial occurrence of a complete closure of all lanes since the M25’s inauguration in 1986.
National Highways has requested that drivers avoid the affected area during the period of closure. However, with an estimated number of 5,000 vehicles per hour passing through Junctions 10 and 11 on weekends, nearby residents and business owners are expecting heavy traffic and potential sleep disruptions.
Tips for Calming Nervous Drivers
Simon Calder writes that a prominent authority in the railway industry has provided guidance to individuals who may be impacted by the closure of the M25 during the upcoming weekend.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a railway version of the M25 so we can’t completely recreate all journeys. However, in London at Farringdon, one can easily switch from the Elizabeth Line to Thameslink in just 45 seconds.
The Farringdon station in central London now provides transfer opportunities for travelers arriving from Heathrow airport or Reading via the Elizabeth Line. They can easily switch to a Thameslink train heading to Gatwick airport, Brighton, Luton airport, or Cambridge.
The GWR CEO stated that individuals may discover they can take the train to complete their trip in a reasonable amount of time.
“If you find yourself on an unusual flight itinerary requiring you to travel from Heathrow to Gatwick, you can easily do so.”
At the launch event in west London, Mr. Hopwood delivered a speech discussing the groundbreaking battery-operated train.
Source: independent.co.uk
