The planned daytime closure of the M25 between junctions 10 and 11 has stirred concerns among residents and businesses in the vicinity. The closure, aimed at facilitating the demolition of the Clearmount bridge for motorway improvements, has resulted in a five-mile stretch of the motorway remaining shut until 6am on Monday. This closure has led to a significant increase in traffic congestion in the surrounding areas, with local roads becoming heavily congested and gridlocked. The closure has particularly affected residents living close to junction 10, such as Byfleet Road, which has been described as “chock-a-block” on Friday afternoon.
The closure of the M25 has had a profound impact on businesses along the diversion route. Some business owners, anticipating heavy traffic, have already cut back on their services. For instance, Mark Pollak, owner of Billy Tong, a catering and biltong selling business, has estimated that the closure could lead to a 50% drop in the firm’s turnover for the weekend. Pollak had to turn down catering requests and cancel market stalls, as his staff were reluctant to face the expected traffic congestion. While some businesses like the Black Prince pub in Addlestone are less affected, others are bracing for potential financial losses and disruptions to their operations.
The M25, a crucial route that serves Heathrow and Gatwick airports, normally experiences heavy traffic flow, carrying between 4,000 and 6,000 vehicles in each direction every hour from 10am until 9pm at weekends between junctions nine and 11. The closure of a five-mile stretch of the motorway has forced drivers to rely on an 11.5-mile diversion route, causing concerns about increased congestion levels on local roads. Motoring experts have cautioned that official estimates of congestion levels may be overly optimistic, with delays possibly exceeding an hour. National Highways, the company overseeing the closure, has urged drivers to adhere to the designated diversion route and avoid using alternative navigation tools that could lead to further traffic disruptions.
Future Closures and Planning
The closure of the M25 for the demolition of the Clearmount bridge is just the first of several planned daytime closures scheduled up to September. While the closure is necessary for motorway improvements, concerns linger about the potential impact on local residents, businesses, and traffic congestion. As engineers work on demolishing the bridge, the lack of a contingency plan poses a risk of extended closures if the job is not completed by Monday morning. Business owners along the diversion route are anxiously waiting for the disruptions to end, hoping that the closure does not exceed the scheduled timeframe. The closure of such a critical motorway artery highlights the intricate balance between infrastructure upgrades and the challenges posed to residents and businesses in the surrounding areas.
The daytime closure of the M25 has underscored the intricate interplay between infrastructure development, traffic management, and the socioeconomic challenges faced by local residents and businesses. As the closure continues and future disruptions are planned, stakeholders must navigate the complexities of balancing the need for essential improvements with the immediate impact on communities and businesses. Efforts to mitigate traffic congestion, support affected businesses, and ensure timely completion of construction works are essential in managing the short-term disruptions caused by the closure of a major motorway like the M25.
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