The M25 is set for its first ever full weekend closure this March, with drivers warned of long delays.

The M25 will be closed in both directions between junctions 10 (A3 Wisley) and 11 (A320 Chertsey Interchange) from 9pm on Friday, March 15 until 6am on Monday, March 18.

Long delays are possible and the advice is to only travel if required.

Residents, concertgoers, sports fans, and holidaymakers are urged to make alternative arrangements and allow extra time for their journeys.

Heavy congestion is also expected on other sections of the M25 and surrounding roads due to this closure.

READ MORE: M25 and A3 weekend closures planned for February and March

This weekend closure is the first of five between now and September 2024, as part of a major project to improve safety, reduce pollution and increase the number of lanes.

National Highways has given notice to motorists that these closures will likely cause significant delays.

The March closure is in place to demolish the Clearmount bridleway bridge and install a large gantry.

National Highways says that without a full closure of the junction, the safe demolition of the overbridges and the installation of the new gantry would be impossible.

The junction 10 improvement scheme will also see the number of lanes increased along this stretch of the motorway to improve traffic flow and make journeys safer.

Jonathan Wade, National Highways' Project Lead, said: "Drivers should only use the M25 if their journey is absolutely necessary.

"This is the first of five full closures of one of the busiest junctions on our road network.

"We have spent months planning for these closures and making sure there are diversion routes in place, but there will still be heavy congestion and delays.

"These improvements will bring long-term benefits to drivers who pass through this stretch of the M25, not to mention pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders who will also see positive changes in the area."

Those heading to Gatwick and Heathrow airports as well as the Channel ports may be affected by this closure.

READ MORE: First planned M25 daytime closure to cause long delays

National Highways alongside contractor Balfour Beatty have coordinated with emergency services, Surrey County Council, local businesses, and the airports to prepare for the closure.

Event venues in the vicinity have also been updated with the latest project details and anticipated closures.

Between 10am and 9pm on weekends, the stretch between junctions 9 and 11 on the M25 typically carries 4,000 to 6,000 vehicles per hour, in each direction.

This work forms part of a broader scheme due to open to traffic in summer 2025, which includes the installation of the UK's first ever heathland bridge connecting Ockham and Wisley commons, scheduled for later this year.

National Highways assures that any closures are planned to avoid conflict with holiday periods or key local events.

A further full closure of the M25 is scheduled for April, although dates are subject to change.

For updates and real-time traffic information, drivers can visit trafficengland.com or follow @NationalHways on X.

More information about the project, including up-to-date information on diversion routes, is available via the National Highways website.