M25 Motorway Faces Week of Overnight Closures Starting March 16
National Highways has issued a warning for drivers as the M25, the busiest motorway in the UK, is set to undergo a series of overnight closures for a full week. The closures will begin on Monday, March 16, and continue through the early morning of Friday, March 20, with work scheduled each night from 10pm until approximately 5am to 5:30am.
Detailed Closure Schedule and Affected Areas
On Monday night, the clockwise M25 will be shut between junctions 8 and 9. Additionally, the junction 8 clockwise entry slip road will close, along with the clockwise link road at junction 15. The anticlockwise M25 will also face closures between junctions 13 and 12.
Further disruptions include the closure of entry and exit slips, junction 29, and the junction 25 up-and-over road. Near the M1 interchange, junction 21A's clockwise entry slip and anticlockwise exit slip will be shut as well.
Reasons Behind the Closures and Project Benefits
National Highways explained that the M25 junction 28 is a critical connector for the A12 and M25, providing access to Brentwood via the A1023. During peak times, up to 7,500 vehicles pass through the junction roundabout, leading to congestion and delays that negatively impact local air quality.
The ongoing project, slated for completion in spring 2026, aims to reduce congestion, improve traffic flow, and enhance safety for thousands of daily commuters. Environmental improvements are also a key focus, with plans to restore heathland around junction 10 and plant new trees and woodland in other areas.
Additional Environmental and Infrastructure Enhancements
The A3 will be resurfaced with a low-noise material, and environmental barriers along the M25 will be replaced. These measures are designed to minimize effects on air quality and better protect local rivers, lakes, and ponds from pollution and flooding.
Furthermore, new bridges crossing the A3 and M25 will be constructed, making it easier for cyclists, pedestrians, and horse riders to explore the area by connecting the four quadrants surrounding junction 10 for the first time.
