Britain’s busiest motorway closes for THREE WEEKENDS sparking chaos for millions of drivers – will YOU be affected?
ONE of Britain’s busiest motorways is set to close for three weekends – sparking chaos for millions of drivers.
The closures will affect the M25 near Surrey around the junction with the A3.
They come as part of a £317 million project to add extra lanes at junction 10 (Wiseley).
The M25 will close in both directions between junctions 10 and 11 from March 7 to 10 and March 21 and 24.
Then, between April 11 and April 13, the A3 will shut between junction 10 and the Cobham roundabout.
On all three weekends, closures will start at 9pm on the Friday and lift at 6am on the Monday.
As well as the main carriageway, all slip roads between junction 10 and junction 11 will also close between 9pm on Friday February 21 and 6am on Monday February 24.
The A3 and M25 will stay open but drivers will not be able to leave or join along this stretch of road.
The closures could wreak havoc for holiday makers – many of whom frequent this section of motorway while heading to either Gatwick or Heathrow airport.
The predicted disruption has even prompted British Airway to issue a warning to its customers – advising them to leave extra time.
Those living around Wiseley are also expected see delays as local lanes are stacked-up with traffic.
The works have been ongoing since 2022 – and were supposed to be finished by this summer.
However, “extreme” weather conditions have seen this pushed back to spring next year.
However, the highway authority insists that following the two upcoming closures of the main carriageway, no further M25 closures have been planned.
Shaun Jones, AA Patrol of the Year, said: “As one of the busiest stretches of the M25 is subject to road works, we urge drivers to plan their journeys in advance by downloading the AA Route Planner and to allow plenty of extra time for their journeys.
“We advise drivers to avoid the west side of the M25 if possible, but if unavoidable to expect delays and stick to the detour routes
“Prepare your vehicle before setting off by checking oil and coolant levels, tyres and make sure you have enough fuel or electric charge to cover the planned diversions.”
Meanwhile, Steve Gooding, director of motoring research charity the RAC Foundation, said drivers would be rightly disgruntled at the prospect of ongoing closures.
He said: “Motorists who’ve grown used to the queues and closures associated with this scheme must now brace themselves for another summer, autumn and winter of discontent as the completion of work slips into 2026.”
However, National Highways senior project manager Jonathan Wade reassured motorists that the works would be worth it.
He said: “Periods of extreme weather in 2024 delayed some elements of our work but since then we’ve worked hard to recoup that time and still complete the on-road elements on schedule.
“We are already seeing some of the benefits of this project, which will help reduce congestion, create a smoother flow of traffic and provide safer journeys for thousands every day.”
It comes after drivers learned that a stretch of the M4 would also be closing over the weekend of March 21.
The motorway will shut in both directions between junctions 18 (Bath) and 19 (M32) – as officials demolish the A432 Badminton Road Bridge.