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The temporary shutdown of both sides of the M25 will create chaos in Surrey this weekend as vehicles are rerouted between Junctions 10 and 11 on the UK’s busiest highway.
Traffic will be rerouted from 9pm on Friday, March 15th until 6am on Monday, March 18th, as a five-mile section of the M25 is closed for the removal of a bridge and installation of a new gantry. This is the first instance of a complete shutdown of all lanes since the opening of the M25 in 1986.
The National Highways have requested drivers to steer clear of the area during the time of closure. However, as there is usually a high volume of 5,000 vehicles per hour passing through Junctions 10 and 11 on weekends, those living and owning businesses nearby are expecting heavy traffic and disrupted sleep.
A cafe employee named Sophie Trippit, who works in Byfleet, one of the villages on the 11-mile detour, stated to Yahoo News UK that there will be chaos. She personally does not intend on leaving her location and has advised her family to do the same. She believes it will not be an enjoyable experience.
A large number of Byfleet inhabitants, along with those in nearby Sheerwater, Ottershaw, and Woodham, are giving up on their weekend plans due to concerns about not being able to return to their homes.
Elizabeth Lancemen, a massage and beauty therapist who operates from home, shared with Yahoo News UK that her son may have to forego attending a football game and a children’s club due to logistical difficulties. She advises to refrain from making travel plans this weekend if it requires walking long distances.
The presence of nearby businesses is currently experiencing a decrease in bookings. Charlotte Layton, employed at a nearby equestrian center near Junction 10, commented, “The atmosphere is going to be significantly muted.”
Motorists traveling on the M25 during the upcoming weekend are advised to follow designated detours instead of relying on their personal GPS systems.
Jonathan Wade, lead for the National Highways project, expressed concern over the potential for increased traffic congestion if individuals choose to disregard signage and attempt to find alternate, faster methods of travel.
“Doing so could potentially create more traffic at important intersections, so if you can, please try to avoid it.”
?
Can you tell me the alternate route?
A chart showing alternative routes for the M25 Closure
The alternate route of 11 miles will apply for both directions.
Westbound, from Junction 10:
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From the north, take A3 to reach Painshill Junction.
- A245 towards Woking
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Traveling on the A320 to reach Junction 11 on the M25.
Eastbound, from Junction 11:
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The A320 is heading southbound towards Woking.
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On the A245 heading towards the junction of Byfleet and Painshill.
- A3 south to M25 Junction 10
There will be four additional daytime closures of the highway until September.
The construction project is expected to be finished by summer of 2025. It aims to expand the lanes and improve access to junction 10 of the M25, known as one of the busiest and riskiest motorway intersections in the UK.
Source: independent.co.uk
