The M25 motorway in Surrey reopened eight hours ahead of schedule following a historic weekend closure for bridge demolition and gantry installation, marking a significant milestone in the £317m upgrade project aimed at improving safety and reducing pollution.
The M25 motorway in Surrey, a key part of London’s motorway network, reopened eight hours earlier than anticipated after a historic weekend closure for bridge demolition and gantry installation works. This marked the first planned daytime shutdown of the motorway since its opening in 1986, closing a five-mile stretch between junctions 10 and 11. The closure, part of a £317m upgrade project aimed at improving safety and reducing pollution, was initially set to disrupt traffic significantly. However, the motorway was operational again by 10pm on Sunday, ahead of the scheduled Monday morning reopening.
National Highways South-East expressed gratitude towards the public for their cooperation, which facilitated the smooth execution of the construction work. Despite fears of congestion and traffic chaos, the actual impact was milder than anticipated. Diversions were in place through Byfleet, West Byfleet, Woking, and Ottershaw, and although some congestion was reported, traffic queues extended for only two miles at certain points, with journey times increased by just 30 minutes.
The closure also saw locals taking advantage of the empty motorway for leisurely activities, including impromptu selfies. There are more daytime closures scheduled until September as part of the ongoing improvement works, with the entire project expected to conclude by summer 2025.
This upgrade seeks to enhance the junction at 10, one of the busiest and most hazardous sections of the M25, by widening lanes and thereby promising a safer and more efficient journey for future users. Despite potential disruptions, the project aims for long-term benefits by reducing pollution and improving safety standards on this crucial stretch of road.
