M25 set for third closure in July with drivers urged to plan ahead

The M25 is set to close for the third time this year, with the RAC advising drivers to be 'road ready' or consider alternative transport if travelling to London and its major airports from Friday 12 to Monday 15 July.

National Highways will shut part of the M25 between junctions 10 and 11 to construct and install a bridge on the western gyratory of the roundabout at Junction 10. The motorway will be closed from 9pm on Friday 12 until 6am on Monday 15 July. This closure aims to prevent further weeknight disruptions.

With events like Wireless and British Summer Time at Hyde Park occurring in London that weekend, along with holiday traffic heading to Gatwick and Heathrow, the RAC advises drivers to plan their journeys in advance. Public transport is recommended for those travelling into the city.

National Highways instructs drivers to follow official diversion signs instead of relying on sat-navs.

Southbound Diversion

Drivers from the south should leave the M25 at junction 10, take the third exit north on the A3 to the Painshill junction, and join the A245. Follow the A245 towards Woking and Byfleet, then take the fifth exit at the Six Crossroads roundabout to the A320, continuing to junction 11 where the diversion ends.

Northbound Diversion

Drivers from the north should exit the M25 at junction 11, take the third exit to the A320 south towards Woking, then follow the A245 towards Byfleet at the Six Crossroads roundabout. Continue on the A245 to the A3 at Painshill, then take the third exit to the A3 southbound and return to the M25 at junction 10 where the diversion ends.

RAC breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “Following two successful M25 closures with no significant delays, there’s no reason why this weekend can’t go smoothly too, providing drivers plan their journeys well in advance and follow the official diversion routes.

“While anyone attending a festival in the city centre is likely to have an easier journey by train and tube, there are of course trips, such as going to the airport, where it’s far easier to travel by car, especially if you’re loaded with luggage. We’re asking holidaymakers to ensure they plan ahead, which means checking their route before they set off, leaving even earlier than usual and importantly, making sure their vehicles are road ready by checking the oil, coolant and tyres to give themselves the best chance of avoiding a breakdown.

“The RAC’s route planner can help you plan your journey in advance, as well as calculating fuel consumption, so you know if you’ll need to stop for fuel. Using the planner, drivers can also see live traffic updates along the way so they’ll know about any serious delays.”