M25 Closures in Kent and Surrey: Overnight Works at J3, J10 & Dartford Crossing

 

Are you planning to drive through the South East tonight or early tomorrow morning? With ongoing M25 closures in Kent and Surrey, many drivers are checking routes twice before setting off particularly around Junction 10 (Wisley), Junction 3 (Swanley), and the Dartford Crossing.

Although large motorway works can sound disruptive, most of the current activity is carefully scheduled overnight. The aim is long-term reliability, safer infrastructure and smoother traffic flow not unnecessary inconvenience. This guide explains exactly what is happening, what it means for drivers and businesses, and how to prepare calmly.

Why Are There M25 Closures in Kent and Surrey Right Now?

The current M25 closures in Kent and Surrey are not emergency shutdowns. They are part of planned infrastructure investment and routine safety maintenance.

Across the South East, motorway sections require:

• Resurfacing
• Bridge strengthening
• Drainage improvements
• Tunnel servicing
• Safety barrier upgrades

These activities are generally carried out overnight to reduce disruption during peak commuting hours.

In Surrey, the works are largely linked to a major junction redesign. In Kent, maintenance and interchange improvements are the main drivers. Understanding the purpose behind closures can reduce frustration these projects are designed to prevent larger, unplanned breakdowns later.

What Is Happening at Junction 10 (Wisley) in Surrey?

The most significant Surrey-based element of the M25 closures in Kent and Surrey relates to the £317m redevelopment of Wisley Interchange.

This interchange connects the M25 with the A3, serving traffic between London, Guildford and the south coast. It has long been one of the most congested motorway junctions in the region.

The upgrade includes:

• Additional lanes to increase capacity
• Reconfigured slip roads
• Bridge reconstruction
• Safer merging points
• Improved traffic flow between the M25 and A3

Overnight closures allow engineers to reposition barriers, resurface sections and carry out heavy lifting safely.

Daytime access generally remains available, though drivers may encounter reduced speed limits and narrow lanes.

How Do Junction 6 (Godstone) Works Affect Surrey Drivers?

While Junction 10 receives most attention, Junction 6 near Godstone also sees periodic lane and slip road closures.

These works typically involve resurfacing and safety improvements. For drivers travelling between Redhill, Caterham and the M25, temporary detours may add a short delay overnight.

However, full daytime closures are rare. Traffic management is designed to keep essential routes open during business hours.

What Should Surrey Commuters Expect in the Morning?

For most weekday commuters, the direct impact of overnight M25 closures in Kent and Surrey is limited.

However, there may be:

• Slightly heavier traffic between 6am and 8am
• Lane merges near work zones
• Residual congestion if overnight works overrun

Drivers leaving early from Guildford or Woking should allow a small time buffer. In most cases, delays are measured in minutes rather than hours.

What Is Happening at Junction 3 (Swanley) in Kent?

M25 Junction 3 connects the M25 with the M20 one of the most strategically important freight corridors in the UK.

Because it links London to Dover and the Channel Tunnel, any closure here attracts attention.

Most current works involve:

• Carriageway resurfacing
• Slip road upgrades
• Drainage maintenance
• Safety barrier improvements

These are structured, scheduled closures. They are not indefinite shutdowns.

Diversions usually guide traffic through the M20/A20 interchange before rejoining the M25.

Which Dartford Crossing Tunnel Is Closed – and Why?

At the Dartford Crossing, routine maintenance frequently affects the West Tunnel overnight.

This tunnel typically carries northbound traffic. When it closes:

• Vehicles may be redirected to the East Tunnel
• Southbound traffic may use the QEII Bridge
• Heavy goods vehicles may be rerouted depending on bore restrictions

These closures are preventative. Tunnels require ventilation checks, lighting upgrades and structural inspections to ensure safety.

It is important to note that toll obligations remain active even during diversions.

How Do M25 Closures Affect Businesses and Freight in the South East?

For businesses operating in Surrey and Kent, M25 closures in Kent and Surrey can influence logistics planning.

Consider a Kent-based exporter sending goods to Heathrow. If Junction 3 closes at 9pm, dispatch managers may shift departure to 7:30pm instead.

Likewise, a Surrey courier firm may add a 30-minute buffer when crossing via Dartford.

Below is a simplified comparison:

Location	Commuter Impact	Business/Freight Impact
J10 Wisley	Minor early congestion	Adjusted delivery scheduling
J3 Swanley	Diversion via M20	Freight rerouting for port access
Dartford Crossing	Tunnel-to-bridge switch	Potential longer crossing times

Businesses that monitor official updates tend to adapt effectively.

Are Social Media Reports About Full M25 Shutdowns Accurate?

It is common to see alarming posts suggesting “the M25 is closed all week.”

In most cases, this is misleading.

Confirmed reality:

Closures are typically overnight and section-specific.

Ongoing projects:

Multi-year upgrades such as Wisley are phased carefully.

Misinformation:

Claims of indefinite motorway shutdowns rarely reflect official planning notices.

Drivers are encouraged to check verified sources before adjusting travel plans dramatically.

How Can Drivers Check Live M25 Closure Updates Before Travelling?

For real-time confirmation, motorists can consult:

• National Highways South East traffic feeds
• Dart Charge payment and crossing updates
• Official county council travel pages

Checking updates shortly before departure is often sufficient.

What Practical Steps Can Drivers Take to Avoid Delays?

When travelling during active M25 closures in Kent and Surrey, preparation is more effective than panic.

• Leave slightly earlier.
• Follow official diversion signs.
• Avoid relying solely on last-minute sat-nav reroutes.
• Keep fuel levels comfortable.

Most closures are predictable. A small adjustment usually prevents larger disruption.

What Do These Infrastructure Works Mean Long Term?

The current M25 closures in Kent and Surrey are part of broader transport investment across the South East.

The Wisley interchange redesign aims to reduce bottlenecks permanently. Tunnel maintenance at Dartford protects a crossing used by over 150,000 vehicles daily. Junction resurfacing improves safety and reduces wear-related incidents.

While short-term inconvenience can feel frustrating, the long-term objective is resilience fewer breakdowns, fewer emergency closures, and smoother journeys.

Looking Ahead

The present M25 closures in Kent and Surrey are structured, planned and largely overnight.

For commuters, impacts are typically manageable with modest preparation. For businesses, scheduling flexibility minimises disruption. For the region overall, these works represent ongoing investment in one of the UK’s busiest motorway corridors.

By checking verified updates and understanding the purpose behind closures, drivers can travel with greater confidence and benefit from improved infrastructure in the years ahead.

FAQs About M25 Closures

How long do overnight M25 closures usually last?

Most overnight closures run between 9pm and 6am, reopening before peak commuting hours.

Is the Dartford Crossing ever fully closed?

Full closures are rare and usually linked to severe weather or major incidents rather than routine maintenance.

Are diversion routes clearly signposted?

Yes. Official yellow diversion signs guide drivers through approved alternative routes.

Does the Wisley project affect weekend traffic?

Occasionally, but the majority of major works are scheduled on weeknights.

Will there be more closures later this year?

Large upgrade projects operate in phases, so additional overnight works are likely.

Are HGVs treated differently during tunnel closures?

Yes. Vehicle height and weight restrictions may alter routing between tunnel bores and the bridge.

Can I receive alerts about M25 closures?

Drivers can sign up for email or traffic alert notifications through official highway authorities.