THE completion of major roadworks on Britain’s busiest motorway has been pushed back by NINE months over “extreme weather”.

It comes as drivers have been hit by a chaotic eight-day closure on the M25 as National Highways continues with efforts to improve the roads.

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The motorway will first face disruption between February 21 and February 24, as all J10 entry and exit slip roads are closed. 

The section will then be closed, in both directions, between J10 and J11, from 7-10 March and 21-24 March. 

Over the course of these closures, old bridges will be demolished and removed.

Closures will begin at 9pm on Friday and the roads will only reopen at 6am on Monday. 

The A3 northbound will face disruption between 11-14 April, alongside the Cobham roundabout. 

The closures come as National Highways saw many of their projects delayed by 2024’s “extreme weather”. 

Storm Bert, Darragh, and Eowyn all wreaked havoc across the UK from November 2024 to January last month.

They claimed seven lives between them as trees were ripped from their roots and many areas were devastated by flooding.

Senior project manager Johnathan Wade said:  “Periods of extreme weather in 2024 delayed some elements of our work but since then we’ve worked hard to recoup that time and still complete the on-road elements on schedule.”

The £316 million project to make access from the A3 onto the M25 smoother and less congested, was supposed to be a three year project.

It was scheduled to finish in the summer of this year – but has now been delayed until spring 2026.

Mr Wade added: “This is the final block of closures on the M25 as this scheme nears completion.

“We were grateful to drivers who listened to our advice during the three weekend closures last year and I’d again urge them to only use the motorway if their journey is absolutely necessary.

“Unfortunately, it’s simply not possible to carry out this scale of infrastructure improvement, which will benefit millions of people in the long term, without there being some degree of short-term disruption.

“We have spent months planning these closures, but they will still cause significant congestion and delays, so we are asking road users to allow extra time and use alternative routes where possible. Please follow our official diversion routes and not information from satnavs.”

The work on junction 10 has so far seen the installation of structures for pedestrians, horse-riders and cyclists. 

They have also installed a safe corridor for wildlife. 

The Cockcrow Green Bridge is a UK first, as it provides a 100ft corridor of lowland heath-land.

That particular habitat is beloved by some of the most mysterious UK wildlife, including birds and reptiles.

Steve Gooding, director of motoring research charity the RAC Foundation, added: “Motorists who’ve grown used to the queues and closures associated with this scheme must now brace themselves for another summer, autumn and winter of discontent as the completion of work slips into 2026.

“The fact that drivers are being promised no more closures after March this year will bring some glimmer of sunshine.

“In return they’ll be hoping fair weather sees the scheme finished to its revised schedule, if not sooner.”

M25 Spring Closures

The M25 – Britain’s busiest motorway – will face closures over the Spring. 

As this will throw journeys into chaos, find out which junctions will be closing here. 

February 21-February 24

The J10 entry and exit slip roads will be closed between February 21-February 24.

Drivers will be able to travel on the M25 through the junction, but will not be able to rejoin. 

7-10 March and 21-24 March

J10 will be closed in both directions on 7-10 March and 21-24 March. 

Closures will begin at 9pm on each Friday and the roads will reopen at 6am each Monday. 

11-14 April

The A3 Northbound will be closed between J10 and the Cobham Roundabout between 11-14 April. 

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