M25 in Surrey re-opens seven hours ahead of schedule
A stretch of Britain's busiest motorway was closed all weekend
Last updated 13th May 2024
The M25 has re-opened in Surrey seven hours ahead of schedule.
A section of Britain's busiest motorway was shut all weekend between junctions 9 and 10 as part of major improvement works.
National Highways say over the weekend they completed installing 72 beams for the M25 East bridge.
Specialist lifting gear was needed to move the beams into place, some of which weighed 40 tonnes each. In total, the job involved lifting 1,248 tonnes of material.
They also installed a gantry spanning the entire width of the M25 carriageway.
The closure is was part of a £317 million project to improve junction 10.
There were significant delays during the closure this time around with major traffic building in several areas including West Byfleet, Weybridge, Cobham and Walton.
Drivers were urged to stick to the official diversion route which took cars on a 19 miles journey crossing from Surrey into London's Ulez area, though National Highways has assured drivers "no enforcement action will be taken".
However, the highways authority said anyone who ignored official diversion signs in an attempt to find shorter alternative routes would be liable for the £12.50 daily Ulez fee if their vehicle does not meet minimum emissions standards.
Failure to pay the charge when required can result in a £180 fine, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days.
The M25 will shut again during three more weekends this year, but we don't know when yet.