Travellers heading to Heathrow and Gatwick airports this weekend are warned of severe delays due to a central M25 closure. This significant road disruption is expected to impact thousands of passengers and commuters, with experts advising travellers to plan. The closure forms part of a major upgrade project to improve congestion on one of the UK’s busiest motorways.
Why is the M25 Closing?
National Highways has announced a full closure of a key section of the M25 to facilitate essential improvement works. The project is part of a long-term scheme to enhance road infrastructure, reduce congestion, and improve safety.
The affected section runs between Junctions 10 (Wisley Interchange) and 11 (Chertsey), a crucial stretch for those travelling to and from Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Engineers will demolish an old bridge and install new lanes to ease bottlenecks in the future.
Closure Dates and Timings
The full closure is scheduled to begin at 9 pm on Friday, 23 February 2025, and will remain in place until 6 am on Monday, 26 February 2025. During this period, all lanes in both directions will be shut, and motorists must follow diversion routes.
Authorities expect this to cause significant congestion, particularly on alternative routes such as the A3, A320, and local roads through Surrey. With thousands of drivers using the M25 daily, delays could stretch for miles, especially at peak travel times.
How Will This Affect Heathrow and Gatwick Passengers?
Passengers from Heathrow and Gatwick are urged to allow extra travel time. The M25 is a key transport link for both airports, and its closure will force travellers onto already congested diversion routes.
Heathrow Airport has advised customers to leave at least two extra hours for their journey, while Gatwick has issued similar warnings. Rail services, including the Heathrow Express and Gatwick Express, will be operating as usual, offering an alternative for those affected by road delays.
Transport experts predict traffic congestion could extend far beyond the immediate closure area, with knock-on effects across the South East. Weekend travellers, including those heading towards London or the south coast, should expect severe delays.
Alternative Routes and Travel Advice
National Highways has implemented diversion plans to help ease congestion. However, these alternative routes are expected to become heavily congested as thousands of motorists seek ways around the closure.
For those travelling to Heathrow and Gatwick:
From London to Heathrow: Consider using the M4 or A40 instead of the M25. Public transport, such as the Heathrow Express from Paddington, may offer a quicker alternative.
From London to Gatwick: The M23 and A23 remain open, but congestion is expected on connecting routes. The Gatwick Express from Victoria is an alternative option.
For local journeys: The A3, A320, and A245 will serve as key diversion routes, but delays are likely due to increased traffic.
Passengers are strongly advised to check live travel updates, use navigation apps to track real-time congestion, and consider travelling at off-peak hours if possible.
What Authorities Are Saying
National Highways has acknowledged the disruption but insists that the closure is necessary for long-term road improvements. A spokesperson said, “We understand this will cause inconvenience, but these works are crucial for improving the M25’s capacity and reducing congestion in the long run.”
Surrey County Council has urged residents and commuters to plan, warning that local roads may struggle with the additional traffic. Emergency services have also reassured the public that contingency plans are in place to ensure they can respond to incidents despite the closure.
Public Reaction and Concerns
The closure has sparked concern among travellers and local businesses. Many have taken to social media to express frustration, particularly those with pre-booked flights who now face longer and more uncertain journeys. Some business owners along the affected route worry about lost revenue due to reduced accessibility.
While some travellers acknowledge the necessity of infrastructure upgrades, many have questioned whether such extensive works could have been scheduled outside peak travel times.
Future Closures and Roadworks on the M25
This weekend’s closure is part of a broader improvement plan to see additional works on the M25 throughout 2025. National Highways has confirmed that more overnight closures and partial lane restrictions will occur in the coming months, though full closures will be minimised.
Government and transport websites will provide regular updates, and motorists are advised to stay informed about planned roadworks to avoid unexpected delays.
