£2 million investment in new safety barrier on M5 in Somerset
Drivers will soon benefit from a £2 million investment in a new concrete safety barrier at junction 23 of the M5 near Bridgwater.
A one-mile section of metal barrier at junction 23 has reached the end of its working life and will be replaced with a new stronger and safer concrete barrier.
The Highways England scheme, which starts on Monday 10 October, will require extensive excavation and construction along the central reservation with over 1400 tonnes of concrete being used. Detailed planning has been undertaken to ensure the work is delivered as safely and efficiently as possible.
Highways England Project Manager Dave Frampton, said:
The new stronger concrete barrier will help to provide safer journeys for the thousands of drivers who use this stretch of the M5 every day.
We have specifically designed the programme so it will not impact on the school half-term, however we will need to introduce two narrow lanes in both directions for a seven-week period starting at the beginning of November.
While this may cause some increased congestion, particularly on Friday evenings southbound, it will ensure we can complete the work a full week earlier and remove narrow lanes for the start of the Christmas getaway.
We’d like to thank drivers for their patience while we complete this scheme, which will help to keep this section of the motorway safe and reliable for many years to come.
From Monday 10 October, the hard shoulder will be closed on a two-mile section of the M5 northbound and southbound before junction 23. A lane one closure will also be in place after 10am and will be removed before 3pm from Monday until Thursday.
Between Thursday 3 November and Thursday 22 December, two narrow lanes will be in operation north and southbound and a 50 mph speed limit will be in place for the safety of drivers and road workers. Some overnight work will also be required and fully signed diversion routes will be in place during any overnight closures. The scheme will be completed by Friday, January 6.
Drivers are advised to plan their journeys and check the route before travelling.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.