Balfour Beatty completes ‘complex’ M25 bridge demolition ahead of schedule

Balfour Beatty, in partnership with National Highways, has completed a complex bridge demolition on the M25. 

The project, which saw the motorway closed for the first time ever since the M25 opened in 1986, was completed eight hours ahead of schedule.

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

Marking the first of five intentional motorway closures, the work carried out over the weekend builds on the progress Balfour Beatty has already made, having recently demolished the Wisley Lane and Cockcrow footbridges.

On completion, the M25 Junction 10 improvement scheme will increase the number of lanes to make journeys safer and to improve traffic flow; in turn, reducing the pollution caused by traffic build up. 

It will also make it easier and safer to enter and exit the M25, providing safer entry roads for Wisley, Pyrford, Old Byfleet and RHS Garden Wisley.

As part of the scheme, Balfour Beatty and National Highways, will 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. 

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.”

The Junction 10 improvement scheme is due to complete in summer 2025.