Drivers are being reminded that the A3 is set for a full closure this weekend as bridge demolition work takes place.

The A3 between Send (south of the M25) and Junction 10 of the M25 (Wisley) will be shut in both directions from 9pm on Friday (February 23) to 6am Monday (February 26).

The closure and bridge demolition is part of the wider Junction 10 improvement scheme on the M25 at Wisley – with a full weekend closure of the M25 due to take place next month.

This junction and interchange is one of the busiest in the country and experiences large queues and heavy congestion on a daily basis.

It also has one of the highest recorded collision rates across England’s motorway and major A roads nationally.

The M25 J10 improvement project will reduce collisions by around a third but also create a better connection and smoother traffic for the 270,000 drivers who use it every day. The scheme also features some of the most extensive environmental work ever carried out by National Highways, restoring over 25 hectares of heathland as well as planting new woodland.

The UK’s first ever heathland green bridge will link Ockham and Wisley commons for the first time since the A3 was built.

With good progress already made on the scheme, National Highways is set to ramp up construction activities in the coming months with a series of bridge demolitions and replacements structures installed.

Jonathan Wade, senior project manager for National Highways M25 J10 upgrade, said: “A key element of our upgrade at junction 10 is the installation of eight new bridges – either replacements or new structures entirely.

“As we enter a new phase for the project, we’ll ramp up our work on these structures with a number of demolitions and installation the bridge beams at different locations.”

For the safety of road users and the operatives undertaking the work, a number of weekend closures of the M25 and A3 in Surrey will be needed throughout the year to enable the works to be completed safely and efficiently.

The first closures will take place in February and March:

Further closures of the M25 and A3 are planned throughout the year. National Highways will be sharing the detailed information on the scheme website to keep road users informed.

“We understand the significance of closing the M25 for the weekend, which is why we are giving motorists as much notice as possible so they’re able to plan their journeys well in advance,” Mr Wade added.

“We carefully plan all our closures to try and limit any inconvenience, but sometimes it's simply not possible to carry out the work that's needed without a closure. Our message for anyone who plans to travel on the M25 or the A3 is to avoid the area if you can – if that's not possible, allow yourself extra time to complete your journey via our signed diversion routes. Please check our website for latest details before you leave home."

Due to the nature of the works, all closures are subject to change if events outside of National Highways control occur – such as adverse weather conditions.

National Highways M25 junction 10 upgrade is expected to be complete in summer 2025.

More information about the scheme, including diversion route information, flythroughs, animations, and an interactive hub, can be seen at: www.nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/south-east/m25-junction-10/