VIDEO: Tru7 reveals behind-the-scenes footage of M25 bridge demolition

The M25 between junctions 10 and 11 - the busiest section of the motorway - was closed at 9pm on 15th March until 10pm on 17th March, to allow for the demolition of the existing Clearmount bridleway bridge and for the installation of a large gantry weighing in at 128 tonnes and spanning 63 metres.

Serving the whole of the South East of England, as well as Gatwick and Heathrow airports, and used by over 300,000 vehicles every day, it was the first time the major transport route had ever been closed since it was opened in 1986.  

The project’s main contractor, Balfour Beatty, has also now revealed that the M25 orbital actually re-opened eight hours ahead of schedule, after Tru7 and the wider construction team completed the works early.

Howard Williams, Balfour Beatty Project Director, said: “Opening the M25 eight hours ahead of schedule is testament to our team of experts who have worked tirelessly alongside National Highways to complete this major milestone, safely and successfully.

“This was a complex operation, made even more challenging because of the unprecedented closure of the M25. Every effort was made to minimise the impact on road users through careful planning and close collaboration with National Highways.”

Marking the first of five intentional motorway closures, the work carried out over this past weekend are part of a major upgrade project that aims to improve traffic flow and make travel on the motorway safer.

The M25 Junction 10 improvement scheme, which has already seen the demolition of the the Wisley Lane and Cockcrow footbridges, will add an additional lane to the connecting A3 in both directions from Ockham and Painshill junctions towards the M25, and includes the construction of a larger roundabout with extra lanes to increase capacity.

According to National Highways, improving traffic flow along the route will reduce the pollution caused by traffic build up, and the addition of free flow left turns will make it easier and safer for drivers to enter and exit the M25.

As part of the scheme, Balfour Beatty and National Highways, will also install the UK’s first ever heathland bridge – the Cockcrow Green Bridge – which will connect Ockham and Wisley commons for the first time and provide a safe, natural corridor for local wildlife.

The Junction 10 improvement scheme is due to be completed in the Summer of 2025.