Drivers should anticipate delays due to the latest closure of a section of the M25. The motorway is shut between junctions 10 and 11 in Surrey from 21:00 BST on Friday and will reopen at 06:00 BST on Monday. This is the third of five planned weekend closures on the M25 this year, part of a £317m project aimed at reducing congestion and improving traffic flow.

Chris Wood of The AA advised, “With many football fans changing their plans following England’s victory over Holland, it’s likely to be incredibly busy in and around London. We advise drivers to plan their journey accordingly, avoiding the west side of the M25 if possible, and to check ferry and tunnel operators’ websites for updates before setting off.”

The closure will facilitate the installation of a new bridge at the roundabout of junction 10 (Wisley). The project, scheduled for completion in summer 2025, aims to increase the number of lanes at junction 10, one of the UK’s busiest and most dangerous motorway junctions. Typically, between 4,000 and 6,000 vehicles travel on the M25 between junctions 9 (Leatherhead) and 11 (Chertsey) in each direction every hour from 10:00 until 21:00 on weekends.

Among those affected will be travelers to and from Heathrow Airport in London and Gatwick Airport in West Sussex, as well as those heading to Dover for cross-Channel ferry services. The RAC advised airport travelers to leave “even earlier than usual” and mentioned that diversion routes will be in place.

National Highways expressed concern that satnavs could direct some drivers onto minor roads after leaving the M25, potentially causing gridlock in residential areas. The final two weekend closures for this project are scheduled for later this year.