M25 traffic warning as road set to close for last time

The motorway will be closed from 9pm on Friday, March 21 until 5.30am on Monday, March 24. <i>(Image: National Highways)</i>
The motorway will be closed from 9pm on Friday, March 21 until 5.30am on Monday, March 24. (Image: National Highways)
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Drivers are being urged to think ahead about their travel plans this weekend, with the M25 closing for the final time as part of a major improvement project.

The motorway will be closed from 9pm on Friday, March 21 until 5.30am on Monday, March 24 between Junction 10 Wisley and Junction 11 Chertsey.

The closure will allow National Highways to safely demolish and remove an old bridge which is no longer needed after work to upgrade the gyratory at Junction 10 was completed last month.

It is the fifth and final closure of the M25 as part of a scheme to reduce congestion, create a smoother flow of traffic and provide safer journeys for thousands every day.

READ MORE: Road closures announced ahead of M3 junction improvements

The closure will allow National Highways to safely demolish and remove an old bridge.The closure will allow National Highways to safely demolish and remove an old bridge. (Image: National Highways) It follows the successful demolition of another structure on the motorway two weeks ago and represents a key milestone in the project.

Drivers have largely followed National Highways’ advice during the previous closures, but senior project manager Jonathan Wade is urging road users to avoid complacency this weekend after an increase in traffic a fortnight ago.

He also stressed the importance of following signed diversions, and not sat-navs, after seeing HGVs travelling on unsuitable routes, becoming stuck and clogging up roads.

Mr Wade said: "We are now on the home straight of this complex project and we are pleased to say this is the last time the M25 will be closed over a full weekend.

"Two weeks ago, when we last closed the motorway, we saw higher levels of traffic than in the previous three closures and it caused significant disruption and delays in local areas."

SEE MORE: Work to improve Worthy Road in Winchester completed following £1.37m scheme

People are being urged to follow the diversions which will be put in place.People are being urged to follow the diversions which will be put in place. (Image: National Highways) Mr Wade is urging those looking to get out and about to carefully consider their plans.

He said: "We obviously want people to spend time enjoying themselves, we don’t want anyone to be stuck in long traffic jams.

"If you’re travelling around Surrey this weekend, I’d again urge you to only use the motorway and surrounding areas if your journey is absolutely necessary.

"Please allow extra time and use alternative routes where possible, and make sure you follow our official diversions, and not information from sat-navs."

This weekend marks the final weekend closure of the M25, though work on the A3 will continue over the coming months.

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