M25 closure, Wimbledon and England’s Euros final predict travel chaos this weekend
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Drivers have been advised to expect traffic jams this weekend, as football and tennis enthusiasts head to sporting events while M25 road closures are in place.
The Wimbledon men's final will be wrapping up this weekend, with the last tennis matches taking place on Sunday morning. Additionally, the highly anticipated Euro football final, which will showcase the England team, is set to kick off at 8pm. This weekend is shaping up to be a huge one for sports fans.
The AA recommends that sports fans driving should consider taking different roads to avoid the closed section of the M25 and ensure they arrive on time for the beginning of the game and also avoid traffic.
A scheduled closure of the part of the M25 road between Junction 10 and Junction 11 will result in the road being closed in both directions from 9pm on Friday, July 12th to 6am on Monday, July 15th.
If you're planning to visit London for sports events or flying in or out of Gatwick and Heathrow airports, as well as major ports like Hull, Dover, and Folkestone, you should be aware that there will be a 10-mile detour using the A3, A240, and A245.
Traveling to popular family destinations like Thorpe Park and Legoland could be delayed because of scheduled closures on the motorways.
This is the third out of five weekends that the M25 will be closed as work continues on the £317 million project to enhance Junction 10, the section of the motorway that circles London.
Chris Wood, who works for The AA, mentioned that due to England's win over Holland, many football fans are expected to change their travel plans. This could lead to heavy traffic in and around London, especially on the M25 between Junctions 10 and 11, as well as at major ports. To avoid delays, drivers are advised to plan their route carefully and consider avoiding the west side of the M25. Additionally, it is recommended to check the websites of ferry and tunnel operators for any updates before starting your journey.
Wood also advised drivers to inspect their oil and coolant levels, tires, and fuel before embarking on the alternate route. He suggested bringing a sufficient amount of cold beverages and snacks for passengers.
For those who are rushing to get to Berlin at the last minute before England plays in the UEFA Euro 2024 finals, it's important to be careful if you are planning to drive there. This is because all direct flights from London to Berlin have already been booked up until Sunday evening.
"We recommend that drivers who are planning a spontaneous trip to Germany for the game ensure that they have all the necessary paperwork and confirm any parking and fan zone information specific to the area they are traveling to. It is very possible that there will be restrictions for travelers and visitors in place," Wood added.
As per Simon Calder, who writes about travel for The Independent, taking a Eurostar train from London to Brussels and then catching a German Rail train to Cologne and Berlin on Saturday might be the most convenient way for English football fans to get to the game.
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