National Highways has overnight M25 closures running from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 July 2026. Affected stretches include the anti-clockwise J27 to M11 link from 10pm, clockwise J25 to J26 and J18 to J20 from 11pm, and both M40 link roads from 11pm, with most sections reopening by 6am. |
LAST REVIEWED: 19 JULY 2026
KEY FACTS
- Planned maintenance closures run overnight from Friday 17 July to Sunday 19 July
- Anti-clockwise J27 to the M11 north and southbound, including the J6 exit slip, closes from 10pm to 6am
- Clockwise J25 to J26 closes 11pm to 6am; clockwise J18 to J20 closes 11pm to 5.30am
- Both M25 link roads to the M40 southbound close from 11pm to 6am
- The anti-clockwise J11 carriageway between the exit and entry slips closes 11pm to 6am
Drivers using the M25 face another weekend of overnight closures as National Highways continues its planned maintenance programme on Britain's busiest motorway. The closures run from Friday 17 July through to Sunday 19 July, with most sections shutting from 10pm or 11pm and reopening by 5.30am or 6am. Anyone travelling late at night or in the early hours should build in extra time and follow the signed diversion routes rather than satnav suggestions, which can route traffic through unsuitable local roads.
The most significant closure is on the anti-clockwise carriageway from Junction 27 to the M11 northbound and southbound, including the Junction 6 exit slip road and link road, which shuts from 10pm until 6am. This affects traffic heading from Essex towards Hertfordshire and anyone joining the M11 for Stansted Airport or Cambridge, so airport passengers on early flights should check the diversion before setting out.
On the clockwise carriageway, the stretch between Junction 25 and Junction 26 near Waltham Abbey closes from 11pm until 6am, and the longer section between Junction 18 and Junction 20 around Rickmansworth and Kings Langley closes from 11pm until 5.30am. The anti-clockwise Junction 11 carriageway between the exit and entry slip roads at Chertsey is also shut from 11pm until 6am.
Both link roads connecting the M25 to the M40 southbound close from 11pm until 6am in each direction. That affects traffic leaving the M25 for High Wycombe and west London via the M40, with diversions signed locally. National Highways notes that closures can change at short notice, so its daily closures page carries the definitive list for each night.
The weekend programme sits within a wider run of overnight works on the orbital motorway through July, with slip road and carriageway closures scheduled on multiple junctions on weeknights as well. The works form part of ongoing maintenance and improvement schemes, including the long-running Junction 10 improvement project at the A3 Wisley interchange, where associated closures on the A3 have also been taking place this month.
For journeys that cannot avoid the closure windows, the standard guidance applies: check the National Highways daily closures list before travelling, follow the official signed diversion rather than shortcut apps, and allow significantly more time for orbital journeys between 10pm and 6am across the weekend. Daytime traffic is unaffected by these overnight works, though congestion can build early where sections reopen late.
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Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and reflects sources available at the time of the last review date shown above. It is not financial, legal or travel advice. Details can change quickly during live incidents; always confirm the current position with the official body concerned before acting.
Which M25 sections are closed this weekend?
Overnight closures from 17 to 19 July include the anti-clockwise J27 to M11 link with the J6 exit slip, clockwise J25 to J26, clockwise J18 to J20, the anti-clockwise J11 carriageway between its slip roads, and both M40 southbound link roads.
What time do the M25 closures start and end?
Most sections close from 10pm or 11pm and reopen by 5.30am or 6am. Exact times vary by section, and National Highways can change closures at short notice.
Is the M25 closed during the day this weekend?
No. These are overnight maintenance closures. Daytime traffic runs normally, though brief residual congestion can occur where a section reopens late.
Should drivers follow satnav diversions during the closures?
National Highways advises following the official signed diversion routes rather than satnav suggestions, which can direct traffic onto unsuitable local roads and add journey time.
Where can drivers check live M25 closure information?
The National Highways website publishes a daily closures list and live travel alerts covering the M25, which carries the definitive schedule for each night of works.
