Motorists travelling to Heathrow or Gatwick Airport face major delays this weekend due to road closures. Drivers are being urged to plan ahead of their journeys on the M25 from 9pm on Friday (March 21) until 6am on Monday, March 24.

The motorway will be closed in both directions between junction 10 for Wisley and junction 11 for Chertsey due to the demolition of a bridge. Diversion routes will be in place for drivers to follow but they should leave extra time for their journeys to Heathrow and Gatwick Airport.

National Highways said: “The M25 between junction 10 and 11 will be closed in both directions from Friday 21 March 9pm to Monday 24 March 6am. We’re urging drivers to think carefully about travel plans during this closure. If you have to travel, make sure you allow plenty of extra time for your journey.”

A travel expert said the closure could cause “major disruption” for travellers. He added that people heading to Heathrow or Gatwick should consider alternative means of transport such as train services.

Alvaro Iturmendi, travel insurance expert at Confused.com, said: “Road works affecting the M25 could have major disruptions to those flying in and out of London’s busiest airports next week. So those who need to travel to Gatwick and Heathrow are being urged to plan ahead. That’s especially as our research found that UK holiday goers tends to only arrive at the airport 1.5hrs before a short haul flight, and 3 hours for long haul.

“As motorists are being encouraged to consider alternative routes during this time, this could mean that these also become heavily congested as a result. So finding other means of transport, such as train services which go direct into the airport terminal, could be the best option. But travellers should still allow themselves plenty of time to get to airports, as it’s likely that the whole transport network will face major delays.

“As the disruptions aren’t anything to do with airlines or airports themselves, it’s unlikely that compensation will be offered to those who miss their flights. If you’re unsure, our guide to whether travel insurance will cover missed flights might help.”

Diversion routes

Those travelling from junction 10 to junction 11 should follow this diversion:

• you’ll be diverted from the M25 at junction 10 to join the A3 northbound
• at Painshill, take the A245, then the A320
• rejoin the M25 at junction 11

Those travelling in the opposite direction should follow this diversion:

• you’ll be diverted from the M25 at junction 11 to join the A320 southound
• then take the A245 to Painshill
• at Painshill, take the A3 southbound to rejoin the M25 at junction.

National Highways added that avoiding the closure by taking the M25 via the Dartford Crossing may also be quicker.