M25 and Dartford Crossing closures disrupt overnight travel across Barnet and north London
National Highways shuts key motorway sections and the A282 west tunnel for overnight works starting 29 July 2024
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Drivers in Barnet and north London face overnight disruption after National Highways announced closures on the M25, A282 Dartford Crossing, A1(M) and M3. The works begin at 22:00 on 29 July 2024 and will affect commuters, freight and local traffic.
The M25 will close clockwise between junctions 25 (Enfield/Waltham Cross) and 26. The anticlockwise carriageway will shut between junctions 9 and 8 near Cobham and Reigate. These sections serve as key routes for residents travelling to and from Barnet, Enfield and Hertfordshire.
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The A282 Dartford Crossing west tunnel will also close, cutting off a major link between Kent and Essex. National Highways has not specified whether the east tunnel or Queen Elizabeth II Bridge will remain open. The closure will push traffic onto local roads in Bexley and Dartford.
A1(M) and M3 closures add to north London disruption
The A1(M) southbound will close between junctions 4 and 2, affecting drivers heading into Barnet from Hertfordshire. The M3 northbound will shut between junctions 10 and 8, disrupting routes from Surrey into west London. Both closures will funnel traffic onto A-roads and residential streets.
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Congestion stretched for miles on the anticlockwise carriageway during rush hour.
National Highways said the closures are necessary for planned maintenance but has not released details of the works. The agency expects delays on connecting routes and advises drivers to check diversions before setting out. No reopening time has been confirmed.
Transport for London (TfL) has not announced additional bus or tube services to compensate for the closures. Residents relying on night buses or late trains should check TfL’s website for last-minute changes. The closures coincide with the start of the school summer holidays, increasing traffic on local roads.
What residents can do
National Highways will post live updates on its Traffic England website. Drivers can also use sat-nav apps that incorporate real-time traffic data. Residents planning overnight travel should allow extra time and consider alternative routes.
Barnet Council has not issued specific advice for local roads. The council’s traffic management team said it is monitoring the situation but has no control over motorway closures. Residents concerned about congestion on A-roads such as the A1000 or A5 can report issues via the council’s website.
The closures follow a pattern of overnight works on the M25, which National Highways says minimises daytime disruption. However, the agency has faced criticism from local authorities for poor communication about diversion routes. In 2023, closures near junction 25 led to queues on the A10 and A406 North Circular.
Next steps
National Highways has not confirmed when the motorways will reopen. Drivers should check the agency’s website or social media channels for updates. The next scheduled closure on the M25 is not yet known, but residents can sign up for email alerts via the Traffic England service.
Questions this report answers
+Which parts of the M25 will close overnight?
The M25 will close clockwise between junctions 25 (Enfield/Waltham Cross) and 26, and anticlockwise between junctions 9 and 8 near Cobham. These closures start at 22:00 on 29 July 2024 and affect routes into Barnet and north London.
+Will the Dartford Crossing be open?
The A282 Dartford Crossing west tunnel will close overnight. National Highways has not confirmed if the east tunnel or Queen Elizabeth II Bridge will remain open. Drivers should check for updates before travelling.
+How can I avoid delays during the closures?
National Highways advises checking diversions on its Traffic England website. Drivers can use sat-nav apps for real-time traffic updates. Allow extra time and consider alternative routes if travelling overnight on 29 July 2024.
+When will the motorways reopen?
National Highways has not confirmed a reopening time. Updates will be posted on the agency’s website and social media channels. Residents should check for the latest information before setting out.
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