Fears M25 drivers will downplay 'dramatic' closure impact as longer diversion route looms

Leaders behind the Wisley Interchange improvement scheme in Surrey say they are more apprehensive about the next M25 full weekend closure than they were for the first (March 15-18). This is due to a longer diversion route and a fear of complacency among drivers after traffic as a result was previously mitigated successfully.

The second-ever planned full weekend closure of the M25 is due to take place this weekend from 9pm Friday, May 10 until 6am Monday, May 13. The motorway will be shut in both directions between Junction 9 for Leatherhead and Junction 10 for the A3.

National Highways plans for three more M25 closures before the end of 2024 and several on the A3. The next full weekend closure of the M25 at Junction 10 could take place in August and will likely impact summer holiday travel, however, it was stressed dates have not been set and are subject to change.

Read more: Behind-the-scenes video shows M25 bridge demolition before 'unprecedented' closure

Read more: M25 closure dates 2024: Everything you need to know from ULEZ advice to diversion routes

A 19-mile diversion route will be in place for most drivers during the closure (May 10 to 13) that will start or end at Junction 8 for Reigate, depending on the direction of travel. This will take drivers north of the M25 past Epsom, Claygate, and Cobham. Maps and turn-by-turn directions for the diversion routes can be found here.

Mr Wade elaborated on his apprehension ahead of the weekend and explained why. “Firstly, the diversion routes - there’s more than one of them,” He said. “And that’s all because of a low railway bridge at Tolworth, so we’ve got two separate diversion routes. Secondly, the diversion routes are longer than they were last time.

“And thirdly, there might be some complacency.” He continued: “Last time everything went really well for us, and it’s just a concern that people say ‘well, the whole thing was just played up and wasn’t going to be as dramatic as expected’, and therefore, they’ll actually try and stick to the M25. Then it really will become quite difficult.”

The diversion route will enter into London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) though National Highways confirmed a deal has been struck with Transport for London (TfL) that means vehicles that stick to the signed route will not be charged. Senior project manager at the roads agency, Jonathan Wade, told journalists that cameras along the signed route will not be enforced but warned: “If you elect to follow an alternative route [such as suggested by a satnav] and it takes you into the ULEZ zone, and if your vehicle is not compliant, then I’m afraid the enforcement will still take place.”

Mr Wade urged drivers to follow the signed diversion route because “It’s the safest way of getting between Junction 8 and Junction 10.” He added: “These aren’t routes that we’ve developed just for this weekend, they’re well-established diversion routes for occasions when the M25 is closed.”

For drivers on the M25 heading clockwise to Leatherhead, Mr Wade also confirmed: “The principle diversion route is leaving the M25 at Junction 8 which is Reigate. However, the motorway will be open between junctions 8 and 9 at Leatherhead, if you want to just use the route as far as Leatherhead.”

The level of traffic in the area around Junction 10 saw a drop of between two-thirds and three-quarters when compared to the weekend before during the March closure, according to National Highways. “That was quite dramatic to see,” Mr Wade commented.

“If we can achieve anything similar to that, that would be great. I am of course mindful that we are now mid-spring so the weather might be better with more likelihood more people are out and about visiting attractions.”

Why is the M25 being shut this weekend?

Mr Wade explained: “There are two major pieces of work taking place this weekend. The primary one is putting into place a total of 72 large concrete beams - 36 of them over one side of the M25 and 36 over the other. That will form the first of two gyratory bridges.

“The second part of the work that needs to be done is lifting into place the second of nine large information gantries - that’s going to take place a few metres further down the M25 towards Cobham Services.”

A closure for works that will be a “mirror image” of this weekend’s construction is expected later in the year. This will take place on the Chertsey side of Junction 10 instead of the Leatherhead side as planned this weekend, according to Mr Wade. “That’s what we’re expecting at the moment,” he said.

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