Grant Shapps has given the formal go-ahead a major upgrade to the M25 interchange with the A3 at Junction 10, Wisley.
The transport secretary has granted a development consent order (DCO) for the scheme, accepting the recommendations of the Planning Inspectorate, subject to some changes in the DCO as drafted.
National Highways described the junction as one of the busiest in the country, used by almost 300,000 drivers a day and with large queues and heavy congestion on a daily basis. It added that it has one of the highest recorded collision rates across its network and that the scheme will reduce collisions by around a third.
The government-owned company said the scheme will also involve some of the most extensive environmental work it has ever carried out, restoring over 22 hectares of heathland as well as planting new woodland. The UK’s first ever ‘heathland’ green bridge will link walkers and cyclists to these habitats for the first time.
Regional delivery director Chris Welby-Everard said: ‘We are delighted with today’s announcement. This vital work will improve safety and reliability for almost 300,000 drivers a day and generate more than 400 jobs.
‘We are grateful to stakeholders for their continued engagement and contribution in the development of the scheme and will continue to work with them as we take the project forward.’
The scheme includes:
- a new elongated roundabout to increase capacity
- four new dedicated free-flowing slip roads to reduce queuing between the M25 and the A3
- widening the M25 from three to four lanes through the junction
- widening the A3 from three to four lanes either side of J10 and improving the A245 at Painshill
- ‘better routes for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders’.
Work is expected to start later this year.
The scheme was part of a backlog of schemes where Mr Shapps’ decision on the Planning Inspectorate’s recommendation is awaited.
