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The Project Control Framework
This framework sets out how we, together with the Department for Transport, manage and deliver major road improvement projects.
M25
At 117 miles, the M25 or London Orbital Motorway is the longest city bypass in the world. Its radius varies from 13 to 22 miles from Charing Cross. Most London roads are managed by Transport for London but as part of England's strategic road network, the M25 is managed by the Highways Agency.
A Royal Commission first suggested a ring road for London in 1905 but only parts of the planned road were created at that time. By the 1970s, the huge growth of motor traffic had led to firm Government plans for what became the M25. The last 13 miles from Micklefield to South Mimms opened ahead of schedule in October 1986 by then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Traffic Information
M25 J20 clockwise exit | Clockwise | Emergency Roadworks
The M25 clockwise exit slip at junction J20 is closed due to carriageway resurfacing work following an earlier vehicle fire. Road expected to re-open from 6:00 am on 17 May 2012.
M25 clockwise within J12 | Clockwise | Roadworks
The M25 clockwise is closed at junction J12, due to roadworks. Road expected to re-open from 5:00 am on 17 May 2012.
link road from M11 J6 northbound to M25 J27 clockwise | Clockwise | Roadworks
The M25 clockwise entry slip at junction J27 From M11 North is closed , due to roadworks. Road expected to re-open from 5:30 am on 17 May 2012.
M25 J18 anti-clockwise exit | AntiClockwise | Roadworks
The M25 anti-clockwise exit slip at junction J18 is closed , due to roadworks. Road expected to re-open from 5:00 am on 17 May 2012.
M25 clockwise between J22 and J23 | Clockwise | Roadworks
On the M25 clockwise between junctions J22 and J23, expect delays of up to 10 mins at peak times due to roadworks closing three lanes, between 10 pm and 5:30 am, from 16 May 2012 to 17 May 2012.
Road Projects
M25 Junctions 5 to 7 Managed Motorways, Planned
The M25 is one of Europe's busiest motorways. We need to manage traffic flows better and to help achieve this we propose to widen the carriageways... more
The Dartford - Thurrock River Crossing, Current
The Dartford - Thurrock River Crossing is one of Europe's most heavily used crossings and complex traffic management systems. more
M25 Jct 16 to 23 Widening, Current
The M25 is one of Europe's busiest motorways. We need to manage traffic flows better and to help achieve this we propose to widen the carriageways... more
M25 Junctions 23 to 27 Managed Motorways, Planned
The M25 is one of Europe's busiest motorways. We need to manage traffic flows better and to help achieve this we propose to widen the carriageways... more
M25 Jct 27 to 30 Widening, Current
The M25 is one of Europe's busiest motorways. We need to manage traffic flows better and to help achieve this we propose to widen the carriageways... more
Did You Know
- The M25 has 33 junctions. There are 234 bridges over or under the motorway itself with 20 more built on other motorways and trunk roads.
- The M25 had its 10th birthday on 29 October 1996.
- For the road surface alone contractors used more than 2 million tonnes of concrete and 3.5 million tonnes of 'black top'. Some 500,000 yards of crash barrier guard its central reservation.
- Its extensive landscaping has involved the planning of more than 2.1 million trees and shrubs.
- Before the first spadeful of soil could be dug, the route had to go through public consultation and a series of Public Inquiries. In all, the route was subject to no fewer than 39 Public Inquiries lasting a total of more than 700 sitting days.
- The inquiries led to major changes on the route, the doubling of the length of the tunnel at Epping Forest and the extensive use for cuttings to hide the road as it passed through an Area of Outstanding Beauty near Swanley and Sevenoaks.
- The total cost of the motorway in 1986 was nearly £1,000 million. The European Community contributed £5.8 million in transport infrastructure grants.
- The Ordanance Survey (OS) national mapping organisation provided the maps used to plan and design the M25.
