A full weekend of closure is expected for one of the UK’s major roads which could cause travel chaos for Brits.
The closure of the A3 comes as part of exciting new developments to the area and the installation of the UK’s first heathland green bridge.
The Cockcrow Bridge is a footbridge – for people, whether walking, cycling, riding or on foot, and wildlife – and is 25m wide and spanning 30m across the carriageway.
It is part of a £317 million development to improve junction 10 which is the busiest section of the M25.
While the disruptions will cause chaos for a weekend, the project aims to improve journeys in the area. Part of the A3 will be closed in January while a bridge is installed, reports BBC.
The A3, in Surrey, will be fully closed for a weekend to allow installation the bridge.
From 9pm on January 17 until 6am on January 20, the south of junction 10 with the M25 will be shut – in both directions.
The bridge will connect the commons on either side and provide a safe corridor for wildlife.
Surrey Live reported that the junction 10 – also known as the Wisley Interchange – works are set to continue until next summer.
Woodland, heathland and natural habitats have been part of the Wisley vision since the outset of the three-year project.
Wisley and Ockham Commons and Chatley Heath have been described as “remarkable reserves” and a rare heathland habitat by Surrey Wildlife Trust.
The M25 sees more than 300,000 vehicles pass through each day so the closure will cause huge traffic disruptions.
Jonathan Wade, National Highways project manager, previously said the bridge, along with other planned projects, would help to reduce the number of short journeys motorists made and encourage them to “switch for a walk or cycle”, reports the BBC.
On the weekend of January 17, the A3 will be closed to the junction at Send for the B2215/A247.
Diversions will be in place, southbound via Cobham, Chessington, Great Bookham and Effingham, rejoining the A3 at Send and northbound via East Clandon, Effingham, Fetcham and onto the M25 towards Wisley.
This is not the first time disruptions to drivers have been caused while the works are being completed in the area and with works set to continue into 2025, it likely won’t be the last.
If you’re planning to travel, make sure to keep up to date with latest travel announcements and allow extra time for your journey if disruptions are expected.