M25 To Fully Re-Open "Early Next Week"
12 December 2014, 12:36 | Updated: 12 December 2014, 12:45
The Highways Agency says the M25 should fully re-open early next week after a fatal crash on Tuesday that caused traffic chaos.
A car and four lorries collided on the stretch between Junction 26 for Waltham Abbey and Junction 27 for the M11 at around 1.50am.
One man died and four other people were taken to hospital. Part of the road was closed for 13 hours, while one lane is still shut in both directions so repairs can take place.
The Highways Agency says 45 metres of concrete safety barrier needs to be replaced, along with 250 square metres of road surface.
It says the work involves:
- Breaking out and removing the damaged concrete barrier
- Installing a shutter (or mould), into which concrete will be poured and compacted to create a the replacement concrete barrier
- Connecting the new barrier at each end to the existing safety barrier
- Removing equipment needed to install the barrier
- Resurface the road and removing the roadworks
It says: "How quickly the work can be completed depends on weather conditions, with temperature and rainfall both being crucial factors in how long it takes the concrete to reach full strength.
"Highways Agency teams will work hard to keep three lanes open at all busy times, and up to date traffic information will be available on the Highways Agency's website."
Meanwhile, a 32 year-old man from Leicester arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving has been released on bail until April 8.
A 25 year-old man from Corby, who has also been arrested for causing death by dangerous driving, remains in hospital.