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The M25, the UK’s busiest motorway, will be closed again this weekend. The road is set to close several times this year as part of major works around junction 10: when the first stretch of it closed in March (the first time it had ever completely closed in both directions), drivers faced lengthy traffic jams and longwinded diversions.
Expect exactly the same this time – though there’s also the added complication of ULEZ fines. While the M25 is not within the ULEZ zone, the official diversion will take drivers into it. National Highways has said the ULEZ won’t be enforced on these diverted roads – so drivers need to make sure they follow the diversion exactly.
Worried about navigating the M25 this weekend? Here’s everything you need to know about the closure, from where it is to how to get around it (without getting slapped with a ULEZ fine)
When is the M25 closing in May?
It’ll close from 9pm on Friday May 10 until 6am on Monday May 13.
Where is the M25 closed exactly?
This time, the motorway will be closed in both directions between junctions nine and 10.
Why is it closing?
The closure is so that workers can work on a huge £317 million project around junction 10. This phase will see a new bridge and a gantry lifted into place.
Has the M25 ever closed before?
Following the closure in March, this is the second-ever planned full closure of the M25 since it opened in 1986. It will close several more times before the end of the year.
What is the diversion route?
According to National Highways, the 19-mile diversion route is as follows.
Clockwise
- Leave M25 at junction 8, A217 (Reigate)
- Follow the A217 London, Sutton, (A240) Kingston
- After 3½ miles turn left onto the A240 Epsom, Kingston
- After 3 miles at the Esso roundabout, turn right onto the A24 (A240) Kingston
- continue for 3 miles and at the Tolworth interchange turn left onto the A3 Portsmouth, Guildford
- Continue for 9½ miles to the M25 and re-join the motorway at junction 10
Anti-clockwise
- Leave M25 at junction 10 to join the A3 towards London
- After 9½ miles at the Tolworth interchange leave the A3 turning right onto the A240 Epsom, Reigate
- Continue for 3 miles to the Esso roundabout and turn left onto the A240 Reigate
- Continue for 3 miles then turn right onto the A217 Reigate, M25
- After 3½ miles turn left to re-join the M25 motorway at junction 8.
Will drivers get a ULEZ fine?
National Highways has assured drivers that those using the official diversion route won’t be subject to ULEZ fines, as certain ULEZ enforcement cameras won’t be monitored. The organisation is urging drivers not to follow sat-navs or map apps and instead only use the above diversion.
What’s the advice for drivers?
Drivers are advised to ‘only travel if necessary’ and avoid the closure by completing their journeys in other ways.
How bad will the impact be?
The impact isn’t yet known for sure, though travel experts are expecting this weekend’s closure to be more disruptive than the one in March. The RAC has advised drivers using the route (especially any going to Chessington World of Adventures – it’ll be good weather for it!) to take extra food and drink for a potentially longer journey.
What’s the best way to get to Heathrow and Gatwick?
If you’re driving (or getting a cab or coach), leave as early as you can to allow time for the diversion.
Otherwise, the easiest way to get to both airports is by train from central London.
From London you can get to Heathrow via the Elizabeth line from Farringdon. That’ll take around 90 minutes. There’s also the Heathrow Express from London Paddington, or the Piccadilly line.
For Gatwick you can get direct trains from London Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Farringdon, London St Pancras and London Bridge. Alternatively, you could hop on the Gatwick Express from London Victoria, which takes just 30 minutes. Great Western Railway runs services between the airport and Reading.
When will the M25 next be closed?
Three more closures are scheduled for the rest of the year, though none will happen next month in June. The closures will take place between July and the end of the year, and the next one will be announced following this weekend.
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