Massive M25 Closure Threatens Goodwood Festival of Speed - What You Need to Know
The upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed, a nirvana for automotive enthusiasts, faces a new challenge that threatens to keep many attendees stuck in traffic. This weekend, the iconic event is set to be impacted by a planned closure of a crucial section of the M25.
When and Where
The London orbital motorway, more specifically the section between junctions 10 and 11, will be closed from 9pm on Friday, 9th July to 6am on Monday, 15th July. This closure is expected to cause significant delays for those heading to the festival.
Who is Affected
National Highways warns that drivers using the M25 in this area should brace themselves for delays, especially if their destination is Gatwick Airport or the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The festival's organisers haven't taken this news lightly and have issued a stern warning for drivers to check their routes ahead of time. In a statement to Autocar, they advised: "It may be wise to allow a little more time than planned."
Reason for the Closure
The reason for this extensive closure? National Highways is set to install a new bridge at the junction 10 roundabout, which serves as a key linkage to the A3. This route is vital for those traveling from the capital to the south coast. Jonathan Wade, a senior project manager at National Highways, urged drivers to pay heed to the temporary signs along the route. "Please ignore your sat-navs and follow our diversion route instead," he advised.
Alternative Routes and Diversions
To mitigate the inconvenience, National Highways has laid out a series of diversions. Firstly, drivers heading northbound from junction 10 to junction 11 should take the Northbound A3 to Painshill junction, follow the A245 towards Woking, and then connect to the A320 leading to M25 junction 11.
Conversely, for southbound travelers from junction 11 to junction 10, the advised detour is A320 south towards Woking, then A245 towards Byfleet and Painshill junction, and finally the southbound A3 to junction 10.
For those considering an alternate route altogether, National Highways suggested bypassing the closed section by going the other way around the M25 via the Dartford Crossing. This may turn out to be quicker depending on traffic conditions.
Final Thoughts
The Goodwood Festival of Speed is a must-attend event for auto enthusiasts, and it's disheartening to know that a logistical hiccup could dampen the spirits of the festival-goers. However, being forearmed with this information allows for better preparation, ensuring that you arrive at Goodwood with minimal hassle. So set your GPS, follow the diversions, and most importantly, enjoy the festival!
Remember, the goal is to experience the thrill of speed, not the frustration of waiting in traffic. Safe travels!