When are the M3 closure dates in May? Motorway to shut between junctions 2 and 3 for Woodlands Bridg
A LARGE section of a major motorway running through the south east of England will be shut for a weekend in May as part of work to replace an ageing bridge.
Highways England plans to close the M3 in both directions between the junction 2 for the M25 and junction 3 for Bagshot. Here's everything you need to know about the closure...
When and why is the work taking place on the M3?
This closure is due to run from 9pm on Friday May 5 to 5.30am on Monday May 8, reports Get Surrey.
The motorway authority is replacing an old bridge across the road - Woodlands Bridge - which was demolished in November last year.
Highways England said: "The closure is to allow the beams of Woodlands Bridge to be safely lifted into position.
"Clearly signed diversions will be in place and Highways England is advising drivers to plan their journeys in advance, and to leave extra time.
"Installing bridge beams is a large and complex task, so it is essential the M3 is closed to ensure maximum safety for road users and our road workers.
"Highways England has worked closely with Surrey County Council, the police and other stakeholders to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum during the work."
There's also an ongoing smart motorway project between junctions 2A to 4, which use technology to vary speed limits in response to driving conditions.
The roadworks area on this section of the 59-mile motorway, which runs between London and Southampton, has reportedly seen a number of accidents and minor collisions.
More than 130,000 motorists use the section of motorway on a daily basis.
Where are the diversions?
- Drivers travelling northbound on the M3 heading to the anti-clockwise M25 (for Gatwick, Dartford and Dover) will be diverted from the M3 junction 4 via the A331, A31 and A3 to join the M25 at junction 10
- Drivers travelling clockwise on the M25 heading to the southbound M3 will be diverted from the M25 junction 10 via the A3, A31 and A331 to the M3 junction 4
- Drivers travelling northbound on the M3 heading for the clockwise M25 (for London or Heathrow Airport) will be diverted via the A322, A329M and M4
- Drivers travelling southbound on the M3 will be diverted via the M25 and the M4 to then use either the A329M & A33 or A34
Why was there a controlled explosion on the M3 last year?
Woodlands Bridge, which weighs more than 2,500 tons, came crashing down in the impressive explosion.
The legs of the bridge were blown apart, sending the entire concrete structure smashing into thousands of pieces.
The structure, which was built in the early 1970s and stretches 88 metres, was surrounded by black protective sheets which got blown apart - sending huge clouds of dust billowing into the air.
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