Motorists urged to plan ahead for 10-mile diversion on M25 closure weekend

In a bid to improve Junction 10 of the M25 motorway, a £317 million project is underway, resulting in the closure of the motorway in both directions between Junctions 10 and 11 in Surrey from 9pm on Friday to 6am on Monday. This closure marks the third of five weekend closures of the ring road encircling London. The closure is expected to impact holidaymakers travelling to and from Heathrow and Gatwick Airports, as well as music fans attending festivals and football supporters heading to Euro 2024 events. RAC has advised drivers to plan their journeys in advance and follow official diversion routes to minimize disruptions. The closure aims to facilitate the construction of a new bridge near Junction 10, with the project set to be completed by summer 2025. The closure is part of efforts to enhance safety and reduce congestion at one of the UK's busiest and most dangerous motorway junctions. Previous closures in March and May were successful in avoiding significant delays as drivers followed advice to avoid the area. National Highways has expressed concerns that relying on satnavs could lead drivers onto minor roads, causing gridlock in residential areas. Drivers are urged to adhere to the official diversion route during the closure to ensure timely arrival at their destinations. The closure will affect the northbound section towards the A3 to the Painshill junction and the southbound section towards Woking, among other routes. With various events taking place over the weekend, including the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Euros final, increased traffic is expected around London. Two more closures are planned for this year as part of the ongoing project at Junction 10, which will see the installation of four new free-flow lanes and improvements to surrounding roads.