So what will moving the M25 mean for Stanwell Moor? Heathrow’s plans to build the third runway will require moving a stretch of the busy M25 motorway, including creating new tunnels and bridges 130 metres west of the current road alignment near Junction 14. This major project is designed so that most heavy works occur “offline,” meaning away from day-to-day traffic flow, and completed stretches will open after a series of overnight closures to minimise disruption for local drivers. The upgrade includes plans for new link roads to untangle traffic at the M25-M4 junction.
Heathrow’s Third Runway: What Will Happen to the M25?
Heathrow Airport has revealed new details about its plans to move the M25 motorway as part of the proposed third runway expansion. The airport’s plans aim to reassure local residents that traffic will be kept moving, even as they undertake one of the UK’s largest road projects. Stanwell Moor Community Watch will be scrutinising more detailed plans once they are released – if the plan is approved by the Government.
Why Move the M25?
The new third runway will cross over the current route of the M25 near Junction 14. Instead of shutting down the road or causing long periods of disruption, Heathrow plan to build a new section of the motorway 130 metres to the west of its current position—the so-called “offline” approach. This means the existing road stays open while construction takes place, and only short, planned overnight closures are expected when traffic is switched from the old motorway to the new.
Keeping Local Routes Open
Heathrow has made a commitment to keep local traffic routes open throughout construction. The switch-over from the old to the new M25 will occur in phases, mostly at night, to minimise inconvenience for local drivers. New link roads and improved junctions aim to separate airport, local, and motorway traffic.
Traffic and Community Impacts
Careful planning is required to ensure construction noise and disruption will be away from residents and drivers. The main impact will be a series of overnight lane closures, and Heathrow intend to work with National Highways to ensure the effects are kept as low as possible. There are also plans to improve safety by eliminating complicated weaving between the M25 and the M4, which is a frequent concern for local drivers.
Protecting the village
The project is not guaranteed to happen. The airport is awaiting Government decision, and then what that decision is. There are other bids that do not involve the third runway crossing the motorway.
So what will moving the motorway mean for Stanwell Moor? The motorway move will be a major infrastructure project hugely impacting the ability of residents to leave and enter the village on the motorway side. The airport needs to adhere to its guarantees to minimise the disruption so that residents can continue to live a normal life. The airport needs to inform the village at all stages – from the planning stage – what the project involves and its impact on the village, including displays in the village hall. The airport needs to ensure there is communication with the village so it is aware at all stages of what is happening on the ground.