M25 delays impact Surrey pubs. Road closures for Junction 10 upgrade cause huge losses, impacting businesses and commutes.
The Wisley Interchange project, which started in 2022, has involved weekend closures that diverted traffic, leading to congestion in nearby villages. National Highways has announced more closures scheduled from February to April. Consequently, the project’s completion date has been moved to spring 2026.
National Highways maintains that congestion will not worsen. Jonathan Wade cited extreme weather in 2024 as the cause of the initial delays. He claims they are recouping lost time since then. The M25 and A3 will close on weekends as workers demolish old bridges.
Specific closures include February 21-24 for slip road closures, March 7-10 for the Wisley Interchange, March 21-24 for Junction 10, and April 11-14 for the A3 in both directions between Junction 10 and Cobham.
Despite efforts to mitigate the impact, Wade advised anticipating congestion and delays. RHS Wisley, a nearby garden, has already lost £6 million, with potential losses reaching £11 million by the project’s end. They are seeking government compensation. The Seven Stars pub in Ripley is also struggling due to the roadwork disruptions.
The pub’s staff and income have been directly affected by the road closures. Weekend closures have caused the pub’s takings to drop by 50%, resulting in a loss of about £5,000 each weekend. The pub owner has described the delay as a “cop out.”
Similarly, The Anchor pub near Wisley has experienced a 50% drop in trade on some weekends. A local resident’s commute has also increased because of the roadworks. National Highways visited the pubs before the closures to show the planned locations. They appreciate everyone’s patience and are in talks with RHS Wisley about their concerns. National Highways maintains that the project will ultimately reduce congestion.