Join Simon Calder’s complimentary travel newsletter for professional tips and discounted deals.
Receive email updates on travel news, deals, and advice from Simon Calder
Sign up for Simon Calder’s Travel newsletter
Sign up to receive Simon Calder’s newsletter for the latest travel news, deals, and tips.
Jonathan Wade, a senior project manager for National Highways, advises either staying home instead of travelling or finding an activity to do at home such as decorating the bathroom. This advice comes before the first weekend closure of the M25.
“The motorway encircling London will be closed in both directions from junctions 10 to 11 in Surrey, starting at 9pm on Friday, March 15th and ending at 6am on Monday, March 18th. This closure is due to improvement efforts aimed at increasing road safety and enhancing traffic flow.”
Junction 10 serves as a primary crossing point on the southwestern side of the motorway, connecting the M25 to the A3 towards Guildford and Portsmouth.
2021
During the period of closure from March 15th to 18th, 2021, a significant amount of work will be carried out at the intersection of M25 and A3 known as “Up the junction.”
Usually on weekends, approximately 5,000 cars per hour travel on the five-mile section of the M25.
The National Highways has specified an alternate path that increases the distance between the two junctions by more than two times the original five-mile distance.
In an interview with The Independent’s travel podcast, Mr. Wade stated that the M25-A3 interchange, which was built in the 1980s, is unable to manage the high amount of traffic it currently experiences.
He stated that there is an unfortunate occurrence of a very high number of collisions.
In order to alleviate traffic and prevent collisions, National Highways plans to expand the number of lanes. However, this requires the demolition of a bridge.
According to Mr. Wade, a temporary overnight closure would not provide sufficient time to remove the bridge.
”
“We are unable to only partially demolish the structure and return tomorrow. This would leave it in an unsafe state, with the potential for debris to fall onto passing traffic during daylight hours.”
Unfortunately, in this instance, we are left with no alternatives.
The upcoming weekend is not expected to be visually pleasing as there are no readily available alternative paths.
If possible, avoiding travel would be appreciated. Instead, consider finding an activity to do at home such as decorating the bathroom or playing in the garden.
“If you have to depart: consider taking the train, walking, or using a bicycle. As for me, I don’t have a preference on what method of transportation you choose.”
“Try to avoid driving through the diversion routes near Painshill, Byfleet, and West Byfleet on the eastern side of Woking. It is in your best interest.”
Mr. Wade promised that the scheduled reopening on Monday at 6am will take place.
back to make sure we are on track.”
“If during the initial phase, we encounter any unexpected setbacks, we have the capability to adjust later phases accordingly to ensure we stay on schedule.”
”
Closing the M25 for a whole weekend will be inconvenient, but keeping it closed until 6am on Monday morning is unthinkable.
Therefore, we have the capability to halt the subsequent phases of the project.
“I am very certain that the M25 will be accessible by 6am at the latest.”
The main garden of the Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley, is located in close proximity to Junction 10. The society is informing potential visitors that they will strive to keep RHS Garden Wisley open as usual and are excited to greet guests.
Bus companies are alerting passengers about potential delays and shortened routes.
National Express, which connects the UK’s two busiest airports, Heathrow and Gatwick, will continue to run services, though a spokesperson said: “Delays are expected and customers are advised to allow plenty of time for their journey.”
Passengers can commute from one airport to the other by taking the train, requiring only one transfer at Farringdon Station in the heart of London. The total travel time is approximately an hour and a half.
The upcoming closure of the M25 this weekend will be the first of five scheduled weekend closures for the year. National Highways will evaluate the impact of this weekend’s undertaking and then announce any future dates.
Listen to Simon Calder’s podcast on the M25 closure
Source: independent.co.uk
