NATIONAL Highways will repair and improve the noisy and bumpy stretch of the M25 between junctions 10 and 11 over the next three years.

For decades, more than 30,000 residents of Byfleet, West Byfleet, Pyrford, New Haw, Ottershaw and Addlestone have suffered from the motorway’s noise pollution, a constant tapping as vehicles travel over concrete slabs which have damaged joints.  

Now, thanks to the efforts of an action group begun by Independent Woking borough and Surrey county councillor Amanda Boote, with the assistance of Woking MP Jonathan Lord and Runnymede and Weybridge MP Ben Spencer, a resolution is at hand.

Two petitions were created by the action group, one for residents and one for drivers also affected by the bumpy surface and noise. The petitions were presented to 10 Downing Street by Cllr Boote, Mr Lord and Mr Spencer.

National Highways have written to Mr Lord confirming their commitment to the work and to outline the proposed timelines and surface treatment that would be used.

“The noise experienced by road users and neighbours of the M25 has two components, the ‘tyre slap’ as vehicles travel over the joints between the concrete bays and ‘tyre roar’ as vehicles travel over the surface of the concrete slabs,’’ the letter says. “Our strategy aims to treat the two components of the noise in phases.

“The first phase will reinstate the transverse and longitudinal joints between the concrete slabs. This will result in a much narrower joint between each slab, similar to the original construction in 1984.

“The second phase will be to treat the existing concrete surface with a technique called Next Generation Concrete Surfacing (NGCS). This  creates a smooth and uniform surface.

“During 2023-24 we intend to carry out joint reinstatement work on a short section of the M25  between junctions 9 and 10. This is a first step in scaling up the technique we trialled on the M1 and confirm its application on the M25. 

Cllr Boote commented: ‘’I am thrilled that after four years of campaigning and of building awareness of this awful blight on our community, National Highways has agreed to take action. I have schools in my division that cannot open their windows in the summer and residents who cannot sleep at night due to the incessant noise.”

“This is a great result for all, and I would like to thank our MP Jonathan Lord, who has been integral in making this happen from day one.”