The M25 will be shut for a full weekend for the second time this year as work on the £317 million Junction 10 improvement scheme continues. 

National Highways made the unprecedented move of closing the motorway in March and made "good progress" by demolishing a bridge and installing a gantry. 

Work was completed eight hours ahead of schedule which meant the section between junctions 10 and 11 was reopened to traffic early. 

Attention has now turned to the plans to lift into place concrete beams for the eastern gyratory bridge and another large gantry, which will involve closing a different stretch of the M25. 

This work will take place during a full weekend closure between junctions 9 (A243 Leatherhead) and 10 (A3 Wisley) from 9pm Friday 10 May to 6am Monday 13 May 2024. 

The works are one of five schemes on the M25 taking place this year, as part of the Government's £24bn Road Investment Strategy (RIS2). 

Jonathan Wade, National Highways senior project manager, said: "This is far from a repeat of the previous closure, as the alternative routes are longer and will be different for over height vehicles and all other traffic. 

"Drivers listened to our advice last time which reduced motorway traffic levels by over two thirds and meant delays were limited. 

"Our advice again is please only travel if absolutely necessary and make sure you give yourself extra time if you do choose to use the M25." 

The Junction 10 improvement scheme will see an increase in the number of lanes to "make journeys safer and new junction layout to improve traffic flow".

National Highways also said it will make it easier and safer to enter and exit the M25, and reduce the pollution caused by traffic jams. 

This is the second of five full weekend closures of the M25 to take place with a further three due between July and the end of the year. 

Local residents, holidaymakers, concertgoers and sports fans are being warned to plan their journeys in advance and make sure they allow extra time or make alternative travel arrangements.