The roadworks will go on for longer than expected (Image: Getty)
A £317 million project to improve the – which is used by around 250,000 cars every day – has been pushed back by nine months following a spell of “bad weather”.
began work to improve traffic on the busy stretch, which encircles Greater and is 117-miles-long, in the summer of 2022.
Initially slated as a three-year scheme, ending this year, the £317 million work is aimed at reducing congestion by increasing the number of lanes at the orbital’s Junction 10 interchange in Surrey – one of the most dangerous junctions in the UK.
The Junction holds one of the highest collision rates across the whole of the National Highways network, with more than 270,000 vehicles travelling through it every day, according to Surrey County Council.
The long-term project has caused a short-term increase in traffic build-up while works take place, however, and the Government-owned company has now confirmed that it won’t be complete until spring 2026.
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The UK’s busiest motorway will close for two weekends in March (Image: Getty)
National Highways has insisted that the delay, attributed to “bad weather” won’t mean more heavy delays and “in practical terms”, won’t impact most road users – so long as they avoid travelling during closure periods.
A series of weekend closures last year didn’t cause the tailback traffic feared by many, after motorists heeded warnings to avoid travelling on the busy motorway and find alternative routes instead.
“Periods of extreme weather in 2024 delayed some elements of our work but since then we’ve worked hard to recoup that time and still complete the on-road elements on schedule,” National Highways senior project manager Jonathan Wade said.
“We are already seeing some of the benefits of this project, which will help reduce congestion, create a smoother flow of traffic and provide safer journeys for thousands every day.”
However, Steven Gooding, director of the motoring research charity the RAC Foundation, warned: “Motorists who’ve grown used to the queues and closures associated with this scheme must now brace themselves for another summer, autumn and winter of discontent as the completion of work slips into 2026.”
Drivers will have to contend with disruption next month when National Highways closes the motorway for two weekends to demolish and remove two old bridges as part of the improvement scheme.
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An estimated 250,000 cars use the M25 every day (Image: Getty)
The M25 will be closed between Junctions 10 and 11 from 9pm on Friday, March 7, and 6am on Monday, March 10, as well as during the same period between March 21 and 24.
“This is the final block of closures on the M25 as this scheme nears completion,” Mr Wade said.
“We were grateful to drivers who listened to our advice during the three weekend closures last year and I’d again urge them to only use the motorway if their journey is absolutely necessary.
“Unfortunately, it’s simply not possible to carry out this scale of infrastructure improvement, which will benefit millions of people in the long term, without there being some degree of short-term disruption.
“We have spent months planning these closures, but they will still cause significant congestion and delays, so we are asking road users to allow extra time and use alternative routes where possible.”
He also urged drivers to follow official diversion routes rather than information from satnavs so as to not clog up surrounding residential areas.