Delays warning as M25 stretch closes
By Christian Fuller, BBC News, South East
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Drivers are being warned to expect delays during the latest closure of a stretch of the M25.
The motorway was shut between junctions 10 and 11 in Surrey from 21:00 BST on Friday and will reopen at 06:00 BST on Monday.
It is the third of five weekend closures on the M25 this year as part of a £317m project to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.
Chris Wood, of The AA, said: “With many football fans changing their plans following England’s victory over Holland, it’s likely to be incredibly busy in and around London.”
He added: “We advise drivers to plan their journey accordingly, avoiding the west side of the M25 if possible, and to check ferry and tunnel operators’ websites for updates before setting off.”
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The closure will allow for the installation of a new bridge on the roundabout of junction 10 (Wisley).
The project, due to be completed in summer 2025, will increase the number of lanes at junction 10, which is one of the UK’s busiest and most dangerous motorway junctions.
Between 4,000 and 6,000 vehicles normally use the M25 between junctions nine (Leatherhead) and 11 (Chertsey) in each direction every hour from 10:00 until 21:00 at weekends.
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Among the road users affected will be those travelling to and from Heathrow Airport in London and Gatwick Airport in West Sussex, as well as Dover for cross-Channel ferry services.
The RAC urged those travelling to airports to leave “even earlier than usual” and said diversion routes will be in place.
National Highways said it was concerned that satnavs could direct some drivers on to minor roads after leaving the M25, creating gridlock in residential areas.
The final two weekend closures as part of the project will take place later this year.
