A new map has revealed how the M25 could be rerouted due to the expansion of Heathrow Airport. The ambitious plan could see a tunnel being constructed for the motorway to pass beneath the proposed third runway.
The potential new route would see the M25 rerouted between Junction 14 and Junction 15, which links the motorway to the M4. Heathrow Airport has previously stated that the tunnel would be built west of the current motorway.
The illustration depicts the major road passing under the proposed runway on the north side of the airport site. The graphic also includes proposed areas for new passenger facilities, expanded terminals and new car parking areas.
The map indicates potential disruption to other roads in the area, including the A4. Previous plans from 2019 suggested that work on the diversion could be carried out while the existing M25 route remained open, to minimise impact on road users.
Rachel Reeves confirmed her support for the third runway on January 29, stating the case for the expansion was now ‘stronger than ever.’ Proposals for the project are expected from Heathrow Airport by the summer, with the aim of gaining approval before the end of this Parliament, reports MyLondon.
A Heathrow spokesperson has told MyLondon that the scale of the expansion project requires approval through a Development Consent Order, placing the decision in the hands of the Secretary of State.
Meanwhile, Paul Beckford Policy Director from the No 3rd Runway Coalition told MyLondon: “The scale of the work that is proposed at the busiest junction of the M25 will negatively impact road users and local communities, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for years.”
He continued: “There will be a massive increase in construction related traffic on the local road network, alongside the redevelopment of J14, which is likely to result in significant delays and increased congestion for the 200,000 motorists who use that section of the M25 every day.
Further, the implications of concreting over, and diverting, five rivers stretches way beyond the airport boundaries to the internationally-rare chalk streams of the Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire Chilterns.”
Additionally, the Heathrow representative affirmed that comprehensive details concerning the expansion scheme would be disclosed when an application is filed, with the stages of construction and potential effects being evaluated by appropriate planning bodies.
