M25 weekend closure: drivers told to follow signs or stay away

The authorities responsible for the highways have requested that drivers do not use a particular part of the M25 in the south-west starting from Friday night. This is due to the second set planned for the weekend in which the London orbital motorway will be closed.

A large number of cars will have to take different routes through nearby streets as a highly frequented part of the United Kingdom's most crowded expressway is shut down in both directions from junctions 9 to 10. The closure is necessary for a new sign support and roundabout bridge to be constructed. This change will occur from Friday at 9pm, and operations will resume on Monday at 6am.

The majority of motorists will have no other choice but to exit or enter the expressway towards the southeast side at junction 8, in the vicinity of Reigate, in order to travel along a designated detour of 19 miles.

The executives in charge of National Highways are apprehensive that motorists may not heed the advice to steer clear of the zone. This comes after the first M25 weekend closure in March went well, despite apprehensions of immense congestion and widespread chaos on the roads.

The individuals stressed that being content is unacceptable during the upcoming second closure that will block a more extended portion of the highway during a season when the roads tend to have more vehicles present.

The M25 expressway was opened up earlier than expected after the preceding closure, where a segment of five miles was closed off for the demolition of a bridge. Nevertheless, the engineering work this weekend is a more intricate process of constructing a bridge rather than destroying it, which means that concluding the disturbance early is improbable, according to the National Highways statement.

According to Jonathan Wade, who is a project manager in a senior position, the task at hand is to carefully and accurately place 72 concrete beams in their designated positions. This task requires more time due to its complexity and attention to detail.

According to Wade, the timings have some flexibility, and he emphasized that the notion that the M25 cannot be used on Monday mornings at 6 am is unreasonable.

According to him, when the first weekend closure took place, the amount of cars that passed through junction 10 decreased significantly. The regular rate of vehicles passing every 24 hours was 146,000, but during the closure, only 44,000 cars needed to reroute, which made it easier for traffic to flow smoothly through the alternative routes.

The second of five planned closures for the weekend will have an impact on a different and adjacent stretch of the motorway. Drivers will need to take longer alternative routes, and there is an added complication for the most oversized lorries, which will need to continue along the M25 for eight more miles before taking a different route from junction 9. Most vehicles will exit at junction 8.

Wade mentioned that the ability to avoid traffic congestion relies heavily on having clear and effective signage and messaging. He expressed worry that some drivers may choose to ignore the guidance provided. Wade warned that if people become too complacent and disregard the advice from National Highways, the result could be the complete opposite of what was expected.

He cautioned drivers against staying on the motorway and following bigger vehicles to junction 9, even if they are thinking, "Why leave a perfectly fine motorway?" This would result in a longer, slower route. Those relying on their GPS could also get stuck in traffic or face ULEZ charges if their vehicles don't comply with the standards as the diversions pass through the Greater London clean air zone.

There will be a special arrangement made for guests who have made reservations at the Ramada hotel at Cobham Services on the M25, even during the main diversion. They will be provided with an exclusive escort from junction 9. Although the hotel's location may seem less appealing during the closure of the road, the spokesperson emphasized that the guests will definitely have a peaceful night.