M25 drivers warned of more delays as second weekend closure announced

Motorists are being warned to brace themselves for delays as a second weekend closure of the M25 has been announced by National Highways. The seven-mile stretch between Junctions 9 and 10 in Surrey will be shut in both directions from 9pm on Friday, May 10 until 6am on Monday, May 13.

This is to allow for the installation of concrete beams for a new bridge and gantry. This marks the second of five planned weekend closures of the motorway as part of ongoing work to improve Junction 10.

Despite fears of severe congestion on diversion routes during the first closure between Junctions 10 and 11 back in March, many drivers heeded advice to avoid the area, preventing long hold-ups.

READ MORE: How M25 motorway got its name and why there's an M23 but no M24

However, National Highways senior project manager Jonathan Wade has cautioned that the upcoming shutdown will not mirror the previous one, as the diversion routes are "longer and will be different for over-height vehicles and all other traffic". He said: "Drivers listened to our advice last time which reduced motorway traffic levels by over two-thirds and meant delays were limited."

He added: "Our advice again is please only travel if absolutely necessary and make sure you give yourself extra time if you do choose to use the M25."

The closure in March was the first planned daytime shutdown of the M25 since it opened in 1986.

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