Motorists Warned of M25 and A3 Closures as Junction 10 Project Enters Next Phase

Published on: 29 Jan, 2024
Updated on: 31 Jan, 2024

Beam installation at the M25 junction 10 bridge as it was looking north towards Wisley Lane in October 2023

National Highways is warning drivers who use the M25 and A3 about further weekend closures that will take place throughout the year.

Junction 10 on the M25 – the interchange with the A3 at Wisley – is one of the busiest in the country and experiences large queues and heavy congestion every day. It also has one of the highest recorded collision rates across England’s motorway and major A roads nationally.

It is intended that the current £317 million project will reduce collisions by around a third but also create a better connection and smoother traffic for the 270,000 drivers who use it every day.

The preferred option for Junction 10 put forward during the consultation in 2017. Click on image to enlarge.

According to a press release from National Highways: “The scheme also features some of the most extensive environmental work ever carried out by National Highways, restoring over 25 hectares of heathland as well as planting new woodland. The UK’s first ever heathland green bridge will link Ockham and Wisley commons for the first time since the A3 was built.

“With good progress already made on the scheme, National Highways is set to ramp up construction activities in the coming months with a series of bridge demolitions and replacements structures installed.”

Winning candidate Dennis Booth

But the county councillor for the Horsleys division, Dennis Booth (Residents for Guildford and Villages), felt the press release did not give the whole picture. He told The Dragon: “Unfortunately, as ever, this is an over-simplification of what is happening.

“The closures wreak havoc in the local area and our residents are severely impacted with motorists taking to country roads trying to find a way around. Bad signposting of diversions is a constant headache.

“The RHS gardens at Wisley are also having to close because of this work resulting in a substantial loss of revenue as visitors can’t get there, a disaster for them.”

There have been complaints about the amount of tree felling and ground disturbance the project has required.

Speaking about the upcoming work, Jonathan Wade – Senior Project Manager for National Highways M25 J10 upgrade – said: “A key element of our upgrade at junction 10 is the installation of eight new bridges – either replacements or new structures entirely. As we enter a new phase for the project, we’ll ramp up our work on these structures with a number of demolitions and installation the bridge beams at different locations.”

For the safety of road users and the operatives undertaking the work, a number of weekend closures of the M25 and A3 in Surrey will be needed throughout the year to enable the works to be completed safely and efficiently. The first closures will take place in February and March:

A3 between Send and junction 10 (Wisley): Full carriageway closure, both directions – 9pm Friday 23 February to 6am Monday 26 February. Bridge demolition work.
M25 between junction 11 (Chertsey Interchange) and junction 10 (Wisley): Full carriageway closure, both directions – 9pm Friday 15 March to 6am Monday 18 March. Bridge demolition and gantry installation.

Further closures of the M25 and A3 are planned throughout the year. National Highways will be sharing the detailed information on the scheme website to keep road users informed.

“We understand the significance of closing the M25 for the weekend, which is why we are giving motorists as much notice as possible so they’re able to plan their journeys well in advance,” Mr Wade added. “We carefully plan all our closures to try and limit any inconvenience, but sometimes it’s simply not possible to carry out the work that’s needed without a closure.

“Our message for anyone who plans to travel on the M25 or the A3 is to avoid the area if you can – if that’s not possible, allow yourself extra time to complete your journey via our signed diversion routes. Please check our website for latest details before you leave home.”

Due to the nature of the works, all closures are subject to change if events outside of National Highways control occur – such as adverse weather conditions.

National Highways M25 junction 10 upgrade is expected to be complete in summer 2025.

More information about the scheme, including diversion route information, flythroughs, animations, and an interactive hub, can be seen at: www.nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/south-east/m25-junction-10/