This weekend, motorists are poised to confront additional travel disturbances as a seven-mile section of the M25 is slated to cease operations for the second time out of five scheduled weekend closures. The shut-down will impact both carriageways between junctions 9 and 10 in Surrey, from 9pm on Friday until 6am on Monday, in order to facilitate the installation of concrete beams for a new bridge.
In light of prior advisories, drivers have been counselled to limit their travels to essential purposes only. Those who elect to embark on their journeys have been cautioned about potential Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) levies and urged to prepare additional provisions of sustenance and refreshment for the duration of their trips.
Alternative routes will be designated, directing vehicles along a 19-mile path on A roads, traversing into London’s Ulez domain. National Highways have affirmed that no regulatory action will be undertaken on these alternate pathways. Nevertheless, drivers who seek shortcuts and disregard authorized diversion signs may incur a £12.50 daily Ulez charge if their vehicles fail to meet the prescribed emissions criteria. Failure to remit the fee could culminate in a penalty of £180, or £90 if remitted within 14 days.
In view of these perturbations, the RAC has advised motorists to abstain from travel if feasible and to brace themselves for possible delays. This counsel is issued as the weekend closures coincide with the implementation of new emergency lay-bys on other segments of the M25, and as temperatures are projected to soar, reaching up to 26C in parts of southeast England and London, potentially engendering augmented vehicular traffic.
Alice Simpson, spokesperson for RAC breakdown, has articulated apprehension regarding the compounded travel disruptions, particularly for London motorists, in the aftermath of recent national railway strikes. The closures also coincide with a period when individuals are apt to capitalize on the favourable weather by embarking on day excursions. Simpson has reiterated the imperative act of readiness, especially for those en route to popular destinations such as Chessington World of Adventures, and for holidaymakers bound for Gatwick or Heathrow airports.
The ongoing closure is part of a broader £317 million undertaking aimed at revamping Junction 10. This endeavor encompasses a total of five scheduled weekend closures for the M25. Whilst these measures are intended to augment the motorway’s infrastructure, they are anticipated to pose challenges for motorists in the near term. As such, drivers are encouraged to stay apprised of the latest travel updates and to devise their itineraries accordingly.