Traffic builds up with the activation of the first roadblock on the M25 near Chertsey in Surrey. For the first time in its history, the M25 will close for two days due to roadworks at the junction with the A3.
Five-mile stretch between Junctions 10 and 11 in Surrey to shut in both directions. Closures runs from 9pm tonight until 6am Monday while bridge is demolishedThe M25 has been pictured looking eerily quiet for the first time in its 38 year history as it officially closes until Monday morning.
With cars set to be redirected through small villages, residents who live in the likes of Byfleet, Ottershaw and Woodham are concerned about the impact on local life.Motoring experts believe official estimates of congestion levels may be 'optimistic', while local councillors in areas where traffic will be diverted are anticipating chaos
Cllr Daryl Jordan said: 'Basically they've slaughtered us in the area, they've dumped it on us and we're suffering. Elizabeth Lancemen runs Nice To Be Kneaded , a mobile and home-based business in the village of Woodham which is on the diversion route. Her parents are due to fly into Heathrow Airport on Sunday, so she was also concerned at how long her journey will be to pick them up.
'The roads around here are already a nightmare. I don't think our roads are built for thousands of cars an hour.' Sophie Trippit, a cafe worker who has lived in Byfleet for 20 years, told Yahoo News: 'It'll be carnage. Where the cafe is situated, everyone can cut through the village. Motoring experts believe official estimates of congestion levels may be 'optimistic', while local councillors in areas where traffic will be diverted are anticipating chaos.A couple walking on the River Wey towpath at Byfleet, a Surrey village on the diversion route
'My son has football at the weekend in Byfleet and we can't get there and we've got a kids club on Sunday, which we can't get to either.'A massage and beauty therapist said the M25 closure will have a 'massive impact' on her weekend plans both with her business and family. 'Also family wise, the kids have all got clubs, football clubs - we can't walk there, we can't get there.'
'The roads around here are already a nightmare. I don't think our roads are built for thousands of cars an hour.' 'I think it's going to be very disruptive. I would certainly urge anybody to try and avoid the area. It could end up with all sorts of gridlock in our area.' This includes many airline passengers travelling to, from and between the UK's two busiest airports, Heathrow and Gatwick.
National Highways is urging drivers not to use their sat navs to attempt to find quicker alternative routes on minor roads due to fears this could cause major congestion.Traffic approaches junction 10 of the M25 in Surrey on Monday ahead of the planned closure
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