England fans and other holidaymakers warned of long delays as M25 closure begins

Football fans heading over the channel for the Euros final and holidaymakers driving to airports could be affected.

Drivers have been warned of delays this weekend as a section of the M25 is closed for construction works.

The motorway was shut between Junctions 10 and 11 in Surrey at 9pm last night and will not open again until 6am on Monday.

As a result major roads in the south east will be ‘incredibly busy’, The AA warned.

Among those potentially affected are holidaymakers travelling to and from Heathrow and Gatwick airports.

The closure may also delay England fans heading to Dover on their way to Berlin for Sunday’s Euro 2024 final against Spain.

This is the third of five weekend closures on the M25, which encircles London, andis part of a £317 million project to improve Junction 10.

A diversion route via A-roads is in place.

AA patrol of the year Chris Wood said: ‘With many football fans changing their plans following England’s victory over Holland, it’s likely to be incredibly busy in and around London.

‘We advise drivers to plan their journey accordingly, avoiding the west side of the M25 if possible, and to check ferry and tunnel operators’ websites for updates before setting off.

‘Prepare your vehicle by checking oil and coolant levels, tyres and make sure you have enough fuel or electric charge to cover the planned diversions.’

There were fears of severe congestion on diversion routes ahead of the first two planned M25 closures in March and May, but many drivers followed advice to avoid the area, meaning long hold-ups were avoided.

National Highways senior project manager Jonathan Wade said: ‘The previous two closures have gone well, with significant progress being made during both.

‘We would urge all drivers to follow the official diversion route as this is the best chance of reaching your destination in good time.

‘Please ignore your satnavs and follow our diversion route instead.’

National Highways is concerned that satnavs could direct some drivers on to minor roads after leaving the M25, creating gridlock in residential areas.

The motorway closures are to allow the construction of a new bridge near Junction 10.

It’s the first time since it opened in 1986 that the M25 has been closed during the day.

The construction project, due to be completed in summer 2025, will increase the number of lanes at Junction 10, which is one of the UK’s busiest and most dangerous motorway junctions.

Between 4,000 and 6,000 vehicles normally use the M25 between Junctions 9 and 11 in each direction every hour from 10am until 9pm at weekends.

The final two weekend closures as part of the project will take place later this year.

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