🔴 A3 CLOSURE UPDATE — M25 JUNCTION 10
Last Updated: February 16, 2026
The A3 southbound between Painshill and M25 Junction 10 is currently subject to scheduled overnight closures from 9pm to 6am, with selected full weekend closures from 9pm Friday to 6am Monday as part of the Wisley Interchange upgrade works.
Drivers are diverted via the M25 to Junction 11 before rejoining local A-roads toward Guildford. Always follow official yellow diversion signage rather than sat-nav instructions and check National Highways for live updates before travelling.
Are you checking whether the A3 is closed at M25 Junction 10 today? If you’re planning a journey through Surrey in 2026, it’s important to know exactly which sections are affected, when closures are happening, and how to avoid unnecessary delays.
This guide provides the latest confirmed A3 closure updates, including scheduled overnight works, weekend restrictions, and official diversion routes around the Wisley Interchange so you can travel with confidence and plan ahead.
Is the A3 Closed Today at M25 Junction 10?
If you are searching for an A3 closure, you likely need clear and current information before setting off.
As of early 2026, closures at Junction 10 are part of planned infrastructure works rather than emergency incidents. Most disruptions are scheduled overnight or across selected weekends to minimise weekday commuter impact. However, timings may change depending on weather conditions or engineering requirements.
Because this interchange connects major commuter and freight routes across Surrey and South West London, even short-term closures can cause noticeable delays. Checking on the day of travel is strongly recommended.
What Are the Planned A3 Closures in 2026?
The upgrade at the A3 and M25 interchange continues throughout 2026.
Rather than constant full closures, works are phased carefully to maintain partial traffic flow where possible.
2026 Closure Overview
| Period | Direction Affected | Type of Restriction | Typical Time |
| March–April | Southbound | Overnight full closure | 9pm–6am |
| Selected Weekends | Southbound | Full weekend closure | 9pm Fri–6am Mon |
| Spring–Summer | Northbound | Lane restrictions | Off-peak hours |
| Ongoing | Both directions | Reduced speed limits | 24-hour enforcement |
These closures support bridge installation, lane realignment, and slip road reconstruction.
It is important to understand that schedules are confirmed in stages. National Highways typically releases detailed dates several weeks in advance.
Is the A3 Closed Tonight?
Yes, the A3 is closed southbound between Painshill and M25 Junction 10 during scheduled overnight works from 9pm to 6am on selected 2026 dates. Traffic is diverted via the M25 and connecting A-roads, following clearly marked official diversion routes.
If travelling late evening or early morning, allow additional time and anticipate slower merging near diversion entry points.
What Is Causing the A3 Closures at M25 Junction 10?
The works focus on improvements at M25 Junction 10, also known as the Wisley Interchange.
This junction has historically been one of the most congested motorway intersections in the South East. It links long-distance motorway traffic with Surrey commuter routes and airport-bound journeys.
Why the Upgrade Was Necessary?
Traffic volumes at this location exceed hundreds of thousands of vehicle movements daily. Merging lanes were previously short, creating congestion and collision risks during peak hours.
What Is Being Improved?
The scheme includes:
- Additional lane capacity
- Redesigned slip roads
- New bridge structures
- Improved traffic signalling
- Environmental mitigation measures
Once completed, these changes are expected to improve traffic flow reliability and reduce accident risk.
Are There Emergency A3 Traffic Updates to Be Aware Of?
While most A3 closure events are planned, emergency disruptions can still occur.
Accidents, broken-down vehicles, or debris can lead to short-notice restrictions, particularly near the Wisley Interchange where traffic density remains high even during works.
Emergency closures are typically shorter in duration but may coincide with planned works, increasing overall delay times.
Drivers should distinguish between:
- Confirmed planned engineering closures
- Temporary emergency traffic management
- Lane restrictions due to weather
This distinction helps avoid confusion when reviewing traffic alerts.
What Are the Official Diversion Routes During an A3 Closure?
When a full closure is active, clearly marked yellow diversion signs guide motorists safely around the works.
Southbound Diversion Route
Drivers are directed onto the M25 clockwise carriageway, exit at Junction 11, then follow local A-roads toward Guildford before rejoining the A3.
Northbound Diversion Route
Traffic is redirected via Guildford junctions onto connecting A-roads before joining the M25 and returning toward Junction 10 once clear of works.
For travellers heading toward Heathrow Airport, an alternative route using the A31 toward the M3 and then the M25 can sometimes reduce congestion during major closure weekends.
Journey times during diversion periods may increase by 30 to 60 minutes depending on peak conditions.
How Can You Avoid Delays During A3 Roadworks?
Although closures cannot be avoided entirely, their impact can be reduced through planning.
Travelling outside peak commuter hours significantly lowers congestion risk. Early morning departures before 6am or mid-morning travel after 10am often experience smoother diversion flow.
Business operators and logistics planners should schedule time-sensitive deliveries earlier in the day when possible. Rail alternatives from Guildford or Woking may provide predictable journey times during major weekend works.
Because most drivers search for updates shortly before departure, checking live traffic information via mobile devices is now essential rather than optional.
How Are Businesses and Commuters Affected by the A3 Closure?
For Surrey-based companies and London-bound professionals, repeated A3 closure phases can affect:
- Airport transfers
- Freight transport reliability
- Cross-county commuting schedules
- Client meeting punctuality
For example, a Surrey-based logistics firm delivering goods to Heathrow may normally allocate 50 minutes for transit. During closure weekends, that journey could extend to 90 minutes unless rerouted strategically.
However, once improvements are completed, journey time reliability is expected to improve significantly compared to pre-upgrade congestion levels.
How Long Will the A3 Wisley Works Continue?
Major structural work at Junction 10 is expected to continue through much of 2026.
Confirmed Works
Bridge construction and lane reconfiguration are ongoing and publicly confirmed.
Proposed Phases
Landscaping and smart traffic integration may extend beyond heavy construction stages.
Addressing Misinformation
There are no plans to permanently close the A3. Closures are temporary and phased. The road remains a critical component of the UK strategic road network.
Why Are There So Many A3 Closures at Junction 10?
The frequency of closures reflects the complexity of upgrading a live motorway junction without fully shutting it down.
Works must be conducted in stages to:
- Maintain partial traffic flow
- Protect construction crews
- Install structural components safely
- Test new layouts before full reopening
Short-term inconvenience enables long-term congestion reduction and improved safety standards.
Where Should You Check for the Latest A3 Closure Updates?
Before travelling, consult:
- National Highways traffic updates
- Surrey County Council road alerts
- BBC Travel news
- Live Google Maps traffic layers
Because closure dates can shift due to weather or operational needs, real-time confirmation remains the safest approach.
Conclusion
The ongoing A3 closure schedule at M25 Junction 10 is part of a major infrastructure improvement scheme designed to reduce long-term congestion and improve safety across Surrey’s busiest motorway interchange.
While short-term disruption is unavoidable, planning ahead, checking updates, and following official diversion routes can significantly reduce inconvenience.
Temporary roadworks now aim to deliver smoother journeys for years to come.
FAQs
How long will A3 Junction 10 closures continue in 2026?
Heavy engineering works are expected throughout 2026, with phased completion depending on progress and weather conditions.
Are diversion routes suitable for heavy goods vehicles?
Yes, official diversion routes are designed to accommodate HGV traffic safely.
Will weekend closures happen every month?
Not necessarily. Weekend full closures are scheduled only when structural work requires uninterrupted access.
Are local businesses still accessible during closures?
Yes, access is maintained via signed alternative routes, though minor delays may occur.
What time do overnight A3 closures usually begin?
Most scheduled overnight closures begin at 9pm and reopen at 6am.
Does the M25 close at the same time?
Occasional lane restrictions affect the M25, but full closures are less common and widely announced.
Will journey times improve after works are complete?
Yes, the redesigned junction is expected to improve merging flow and reduce congestion once operational.