Update 11 January 2023
Works have now started along the A3. Narrow lanes have been put in place and a reduced speed limit on the A3 on both sides of the junction. This will also be in place on the M25 as it passes through junction 10.
The latest closure information is available on the National Highways M25 Junction 10 page.
Update 29 September 2022
Preparation work has now started along the A3 to help deliver the improvements at the M25 junction 10/A3 Wisley interchange. This will involve National Highways removing trees and vegetation over the next few months on Surrey County Council land. The majority of the trees that will be felled were planted on the original woodland and on what used to be heathland. They will be removed to help bring back the original woodland and restore ancient and rare heathland. The trees are being removed before the bird nesting season which starts in early 2023. In addition to the restoration of heathland, this project will also deliver a number of benefits for the County including the refurbished visitor car park at Ockham Common, a number of local jobs and the installation of one of the largest 'green bridges' in Europe
We understand that this work may appear concerning, but the majority of the tree removal being carried out is actually to enhance the existing woodland. While it is necessary to remove some trees to deliver the scheme improvements, all the work being undertaken is being carried out in the least environmentally impactful way possible.
Heathland is one of the UK's most threatened habitats and is vital for a wide range of invertebrates, reptiles, and bird species. Historically many local heathland areas were lost when conifer trees were planted for timber production. To restore and bring it back to life, areas of plantation woodland are to be cleared during this preparation work, which will allow the heathland to regenerate.
More information can be found on the National Highways web page.
Update 13 May 2022
The Secretary of State for Transport has made a decision to grant National Highways a Development Consent Order, which allows them to proceed with their project to improve the M25 junction 10/A3 Wisley interchange.
This junction is one of the busiest on National Highways network, with almost 300,000 journeys every day. Due to the volume of traffic and the resulting queues, the junction and the surrounding roads have a high number of incidents. National Highways proposals will deliver much needed additional capacity, better connectivity for people and businesses, and safer journeys for everyone.
This vital work will generate more than 400 jobs, including around 20 apprenticeships and graduate jobs, and deliver an environmental legacy that will restore rare heathland in Ockham and Wisley Commons for years to come.
You can view the decision documents on the Planning Inspectorate website.
Keeping you informed
National Highways plan to start work in autumn 2022.
National Highways have a specialist National Infrastructure Planning portal web page which is interactive and full of useful information on the improvements.
What's been happening?
National Highways have now started some minor work and surveys that will help them be better prepared for construction, should they get approval in May from the Secretary of State. If they do not get approval, they can return these areas to the same condition they were in before.
The work taking place won't impact you but below is a summary of what it involves:
- From April, they will be doing some work at Nutberry Fruit Farm to make sure they protect any wildlife on site if work goes ahead. They will also be doing surveys to check the ground for anything of interest to archaeology teams. This site would become their project office, so they will also be putting in place some utility connections like electricity.
- If the works go ahead, they will use air quality monitors to measure for road traffic pollutant (nitrogen dioxide), dust and particles. They are putting these monitors in place now to start collecting the baseline information to measure themselves against in the future.
- They will also be digging some small holes to confirm the location of existing utilities, such as gas mains to help inform their plans.
Why and how National Highways are improving the M25 junction 10/A3 Wisley interchange
Junction 10 is the busiest section of the M25, with over 270,000 vehicles travelling through it every day. Due to the volume of traffic and the resulting queues, this area of their network has a very poor safety record and holds one of the highest collision rates across the National Highways network.
Their proposals will reduce delays, smooth traffic flow and create safer journeys for all. A final decision on whether or not the scheme will go ahead is due from the Secretary of State in May 2021.
Keeping you informed
You can find out more about National Highways plans and keep up to date with the project on National Highways dedicated M25 junction 10 webpage. There is also the opportunity for you to sign up to updates via the webpage.
If you have any questions, please contact Highways England either by email on M25j10@nationalhighways.co.uk or call 0300 123 500 and one of the team will be happy to help.
Visit nationally significant infrastructure projects to find out how Surrey County Council responded to the planning and permissions process.