Major motorway used by thousands of drivers everyday to close NEXT WEEK – check your journey

DRIVERS have been forced to rethink their routes as a major motorway used by thousands will be closed next week.

As the lead up to Christmas gets busier, with more vehicles on the roads, motorway closures are set to come in full force.

There are roadworks on the M25, M1, A1M, A405, and A414 in southern Hertfordshire until December 19.

This is due to safety repairs, maintenance, testing, and structure inspections.

If you're planning to use the M25 or the M1 from December 7 to December 19 keep an eye on the following road closures.

From 11pm December 6 to 5.30am December 7, expect moderate delays anti-clockwise from junction 24 to junction 23 on the M25.

This is due to lane and slip road closures for emergency area upgrade works and you can find diversions using National Highways roads.

Then, from 10pm December 9 to 5am December 11, the M1 southbound from junction 4 to junction 3 will see delays due to structure inspections.

During this timeframe, from 10pm December 9 to 6am December 14, moderate delays are also expected on the M25 anti-clockwise from junction 21A to junction 20.

This is because the carriageway is being closed for testing works - again you can the diversions are found using National Highways and local roads.

On December 9 from 10pm to 5.30am December 10, the M25 clockwise from junction 23 to junction 24 will have delays for Midas installation works.

Lane closures will cause delays from 10pm December 9 to 6am December 14, the M25 clockwise from junction 21 to junction 22 due to weather station installation works.

On December 10 from 10pm to 5am December 11, the M1 northbound from junction 8 to junction 9 will be affected by delays National communications works on behalf of National Highways.

During these dates, the M25 anti-clockwise from junction 24 to junction 23 will also face moderate delays due to lane and slip road closures.

Again, you can find diversions through National Highways roads.

On the 10pm December 11 until 5am December 12, slight delays will impact the M1 northbound from junction 5 to junction 6 for urgent safety fence repairs.

From 10pm December 11 to 5.30am December 13, the M25 anti-clockwise from junction 24 to junction 23 will see delays as well for emergency area upgrade works.

Finally, from 10pm December 16 to 5am December 19, the M1 southbound from junction 5 to London Gateway Services will by affected by delays for safety fence repairs.

During the same period, from 10pm December 16 to 5.30am December 19, the M25 clockwise from junction 22 to junction 24 will have delays.

These lane closures are for Stopped Vehicle Detection technology which is a technology used on motorways to automatically detect stationary vehicles on the road.

With the stormy weather affecting the roads and exacerbating vehicle issues, breakdowns are more common as the temperature drops and winds pick up.

As these roadworks are set to take place when during hours when it's dark outside, make sure you come prepared.

Planning your route before you leave can save time on the road and reduce the risk of being caught with car trouble outside.