Balfour Beatty and National Highways re-opened the M25 ahead of the advertised time on Sunday following the first full closure of a section of the motorway since it opened.
The M25 between junctions 10 and 11 was closed at 9pm on Friday (15 March) until 10pm on Sunday, to allow for the demolition of the existing Clearmount bridleway bridge and the installation of a gantry weighing 128 tonnes and spanning 63 metres.
The M25 after the bridge demolition and installation of the new gantry
Balfour Beatty project director Howard Williams said: 'Opening the M25 eight hours ahead of schedule is testament to our team of experts who have worked tirelessly alongside National Highways to complete this major milestone, safely and successfully.
‘This was a complex operation, made even more challenging because of the unprecedented closure of the M25. Every effort was made to minimise the impact on road users through careful planning and close collaboration with National Highways.’
National Highways project lead Jonathan Wade said: ‘We are delighted that we have been able to complete the work early and re-open the M25 ahead of schedule.
‘Drivers have taken on board our advice, which reduced traffic levels by over 50% and meant the length of time added to journeys was around 30 minutes.
‘Thank you to everyone for their co-operation that has made carrying out work on this major project to make journeys safer and reduce pollution much easier.
‘We are extremely grateful to our delivery partners, Surrey County Council, the emergency services, and everyone else who has supported us this weekend.’
Balfour Beatty said the work carried out over the weekend builds on the progress it has already made, having recently demolished the Wisley Lane and Cockcrow footbridges, and was the first of five ‘intentional’ motorway closures.
