Road closures on the M25 will cause major disruptions. Expect gridlock in Surrey and issues for local businesses.
The Wisley Interchange upgrade started in 2022 at a cost of £317 million. They are adding lanes and bridges to the M25’s busiest part.
National Highways says extreme weather delayed the work.
The M25 closes between junctions 10 and 11, an area south of Heathrow Airport. National Highways advises only traveling if crucial this weekend because bridge demolition demands the closure. Junction 10 (Wisley) to junction 11 (A320 Chertsey) shuts from March 7 at 9 PM, reopening March 10 at 6 AM. Expect delays if you must travel and allow additional travel time.
The M25 shuts between junctions 10 and 11 weekends, from March 7 at 9 PM to March 10 at 6 AM, and again from March 21 at 9 PM to March 24 at 6 AM. The A3 closes both ways from April 11-14; this is between J10 and Painshill/A245. RAC warns diversion routes will be busy and thinks the A3 especially will be congested.
England plays a World Cup match at Wembley on Friday, March 21, which clashes with an M25 closure. RAC advises fans to leave very early, especially if coming from Sussex or Kent. Public transport will also be packed.
Over 270,000 vehicles use junction 10 daily, making it the busiest M25 junction. Visitor attractions report fewer visitors; places like RHS Gardens Wisley see losses as people avoid the area during closures.
Stephen Bungay owns Ockham Bites cafe near the junction. He says the works are stressful; his income and health suffer since the roadworks began. Sales dropped from £800-£900 to £200 daily as closures cause people to avoid the area’s congestion.
Stephen says the works are financially and emotionally taxing. He had to find a cheaper home and deals with major stress. He has Barrett’s Oesophagus, and stress worsens his condition; he can’t sleep because he has acid reflux and is always tired now.
Stephen says workers use his cafe’s toilets, costing him money for supplies and cleaning. Surrey County Council halved his rent, and locals provide fantastic support. He is holding on, but it’s very stressful.
Businesses cannot get compensation for roadwork losses due to traffic disruption. Some locals welcome the works, which don’t affect them. Duncan MacBryde owns Duncan’s Dog Co. near junction 10 and thinks the works were needed as the junction was a mess before. He says you must break eggs to make an omelet, and we will get a new junction after all.