Work on a vital five-mile stretch of the M25 in Surrey is progressing after the motorway was closed in both directions for the first-ever daytime shutdown since it opened in 1986. The closure, between junctions 10 and 11, began on Friday night and will continue until early Monday, allowing workers to demolish a bridge and install a new gantry.
Many feared severe traffic gridlock, but National Highways South East reported that traffic flowed better than expected. Congestion remained manageable on an 11.5-mile diversion using alternative A roads through Byfleet, West Byfleet, Woking, and Ottershaw.
Amanda Boote from Woking Borough Council said, “The traffic situation on the diversion route was not as bad as we originally feared.”
Despite smoother traffic conditions, local businesses along the diversion routes are concerned about a potential drop in customers over the weekend, which could affect their takings.
Mark Pollak, owner of Billy Tong, warned, “We expect a big slump in revenue while the closure lasts.”
The £100 million upgrade project aims to improve one of the UK’s busiest and most dangerous junctions. By summer 2025, drivers can expect more lanes and better traffic flow, easing the daily commute for thousands of motorists, including those travelling to Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
While the closure is inconvenient for travellers and traders now, these essential improvements promise smoother journeys and safer roads once completed.
Originally published by UKNIP.
