National Highways has announced the details of the third planned closure of the M25 this year as part of the £317 million junction 10 improvement scheme. The closure will last an entire weekend, starting from Friday, July 12th at 9 pm and ending on Monday, July 15th at 6 am. Two more closures are scheduled for later in the year, although the dates have not been announced yet.
During this closure, National Highways will be installing a new bridge on the roundabout at junction 10. This comes after two previous closures to remove a bridge and install a gantry. As a result, drivers in the area should expect delays, especially if they are heading to Gatwick or Heathrow airports, attending festivals or concerts, or going on holiday. The junction at junction 10 is a crucial road for drivers traveling from London to the south coast and is expected to impact those heading to the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Organizers of the Goodwood Festival of Speed have issued a statement advising ticket buyers to check their routes before traveling and follow local road diversions. They also recommend visiting the National Highways M25 Junction 10 website for further information. It is suggested that drivers allow extra time for their journey.
National Highways has expressed satisfaction with the success of their previous closures, attributing it to many drivers avoiding the area and making alternative travel arrangements during the closures. They strongly advise all drivers to follow the official diversion route, ignoring their satnavs, as it offers the best chance of reaching their destination on time. Jonathan Wade, Senior Project Manager at National Highways, emphasizes the importance of following the diversion route to ensure smooth traffic flow.
For the upcoming closure in July, National Highways has outlined diversion routes for both northbound and southbound traffic between junctions 10 and 11. For northbound traffic, drivers should take the A3 to the Painshill Junction, then the A245 towards Woking, and finally the A320 to M25 Junction 11. For southbound traffic, the suggested route is to take the A320 towards Woking, then the A245 towards Byfleet and Painshill Junction, and finally the southbound A3 to Junction 10.
Additionally, National Highways has suggested that drivers consider using the Dartford Crossing on the M25 as an alternative route to avoid the closure and potentially save time.
In conclusion, drivers should be prepared for the upcoming closure on the M25 from junction 9 to junction 10 in July. It is advisable to check routes, follow official diversions, and allow extra time for travel. Following these recommendations will help ensure a smoother journey and minimize disruptions caused by the closure.