Drivers Warned of Severe Weekend Disruption Between Junction 10 and 11

Motorists are being warned of significant disruption on the M25 this weekend as a key section of the motorway is set to completely close to allow for essential bridge demolition work. The closure will begin at 9pm on Friday, March 7, and last until 6am on Monday, March 10.

The shutdown is part of the £317 million M25 Junction 10 improvement project, which aims to ease congestion and enhance safety at one of the motorway’s busiest and most hazardous junctions.

Where the M25 is Closed and the Expected Impact on Traffic

The M25 will be shut in both directions between:

• Junction 10 (Wisley) and Junction 11 (Chertsey)
• All entry and exit slip roads at Junction 10 will also be closed.
• Nearby A-roads, including the A3, A245, and A320, are expected to be heavily congested.

National Highways is urging drivers to avoid the area unless absolutely necessary.

Why the Closure is Necessary and What It Means for Drivers

The closure is required to demolish a bridge as part of the ongoing Junction 10 upgrade, which is one of the busiest motorway junctions in the UK, handling around 300,000 vehicles per day. The outdated design often leads to long delays and congestion.

The upgrade project, which began in 2022, aims to:

• Ease congestion by increasing the number of lanes at the junction.
• Improve safety by redesigning entry and exit points to prevent bottlenecks.
• Enhance pedestrian and cyclist access with new footbridges and crossings.

Jonathan Wade, senior project manager at National Highways, acknowledged the inconvenience but emphasized the long-term benefits:
“We know that closing the M25 for an entire weekend is frustrating for drivers, and we wouldn’t do it unless absolutely necessary. But these works will make a real difference in the long run by cutting journey times and making the junction much safer.”

The project was originally due for completion in summer 2025, but severe weather in 2024 delayed some construction elements. The new completion date is now set for spring 2026.

Official Diversion Routes and Travel Advice

For those who must travel, National Highways has set up official diversion routes:

Clockwise (Junction 10 to Junction 11)

• Exit at J10 and take the A3 northbound towards Painshill.
• Follow the A245 through Byfleet and West Byfleet.
• Continue onto the A320 to rejoin the M25 at J11 (Chertsey).

Anticlockwise (Junction 11 to Junction 10)

• Exit at J11 and take the A320 southbound.
• Follow the A245 through West Byfleet and Byfleet.
• Join the A3 southbound at Painshill to rejoin the M25 at J10 (Wisley).

Motorists should expect delays and are strongly advised not to rely on satnavs, as they may direct drivers onto unsuitable minor roads, causing further congestion.

“We’ve carefully planned these diversion routes, and we strongly encourage drivers to stick to them,” Wade added. “Satnavs may suggest shortcuts through local roads, but these routes aren’t built for high volumes of traffic and could lead to even longer delays.

For longer journeys, using the Dartford Crossing or switching to alternative transport is recommended.

Another Full M25 Closure Later This Month

This will not be the last full closure of the M25 this year. National Highways has confirmed another weekend shutdown between Junctions 10 and 11 from 9pm on Friday, March 21, to 6am on Monday, March 24 for further bridge demolition work.

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, acknowledged driver frustration but emphasized the long-term benefits:
“Drivers have had to put up with disruption on this stretch of the M25 for a long time, and unfortunately, it’s not over yet. But if the work delivers what’s promised – smoother traffic flow, fewer delays, and a safer junction – then the inconvenience will be worth it. In the meantime, motorists should plan ahead and avoid non-essential trips through the affected area.”

Impact on Heathrow and Gatwick Airport Travel

Travellers heading to London Heathrow or Gatwick Airport should allow extra time, as the closure affects key travel routes. Several National Express coach services will also be disrupted, though they will continue operating with expected delays.

The affected routes include:

• 025 (Worthing – London via Brighton, Gatwick, Heathrow)
• 200 (Bristol – Gatwick via Heathrow)
• 201 (Swansea – Gatwick via Cardiff, Bristol, Heathrow)
• 205 (Poole – Gatwick via Bournemouth, Southampton, Heathrow)

Passengers are advised to check www.nationalexpress.com/liveserviceupdates for real-time updates.

A National Express spokesperson stated:
“We’re working closely with National Highways to keep our services running, but passengers should expect longer journey times, particularly on routes serving Heathrow and Gatwick.

What Drivers Should Do If They Need to Travel During the Closure

With major disruption expected, drivers are urged to: ✅ Avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary.
✅ Use the official diversion routes and allow extra time.
✅ Check live traffic updates before setting off.
✅ Consider alternative transport options, such as trains.

Rhydian Jones, car insurance expert at Confused.com, advised caution:
“Part of the UK’s busiest motorway will be shut for an entire weekend, and another closure is coming later this month. Drivers should think carefully before setting off. If you must drive, allow extra time, check for delays, and be prepared for queues. If you have a flight to catch, leaving much earlier than usual is a must.”

Final Reminder: Expect Delays, Plan Ahead

While the closure will cause inconvenience, National Highways maintains that the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term disruption.

Jonathan Wade concluded:
“We’re nearing the final stages of the project, and we appreciate drivers’ patience while we complete these vital improvements. We know it’s disruptive, but once the work is finished, journeys will be much smoother and safer for everyone.”

For live traffic updates, visit National Highways or check local travel news before setting off.