Motorists are being warned of closures and diversions on the M5 as essential work is carried out on the motorway in Somerset. There are a number of closures and diversions on the M5 near Willand over the next few weeks due to the work which has now begun.
The southbound contraflow will be in place until 9pm on Monday, January 13. The contraflow will then be moved to the northbound carriageway so work on the southbound section can be carried out. The northbound contraflow is expected to be in place from Saturday, January 25, at 6am.
It comes as essential repairs are carried out by National Highways on the concrete base layer of the M5 around junction 27 near Willand. The work will see the surface layers of above the concrete removed.
Today, Friday, January 10, the M5 northbound junction 27 will be closed between 9am and 6am inclusive. Traffic will be diverted through junction 26 (Wellington) and junction 28 (Cullompton).
The M5 will be closed overnight from 9pm until 6am on weeknights between Monday, January 13, to Wednesday, January 22. The road will be open as usual during the day and at weekends and traffic will be diverted by the A38 and B3181.
Two lanes will be open in each direction between junction 26 (Wellington) and junction 28 (Cullompton) from Tuesday, January 14, at 6am until Friday, January 24 at 9pm. Traffic will be using the hard shoulder.
The M5 will be closed from 9pm to 6am between junction 28 (Cullompton) and junction 26 (Wellington) on Friday, January 24. Traffic will divert via the A38 and B3181
Weather permitting, the northbound contraflow will be in place from 6am on Saturday, January 25. Two lanes will be running in each direction with all traffic using the northbound carriageway in contraflow.
The M5 southbound junction 27 entry and exit slip roads will be closed from 9pm on Friday, January 31, until 6am on Monday, February 3, inclusive. Traffic will be diverted to junction 26 (Wellington) and junction 28 (Cullompton).
The M5 southbound junction 27 entry and exit slip roads will be closed 9pm on Friday, February 7, until 6am on Monday, February 10, inclusive. Diversions in place via junction 26 (Wellington) and junction 28 (Cullompton).
The National Highways has said: “We’re carrying out essential repairs to the concrete that makes up the base layer of M5 around junction 27 near Willand. We need to remove the surface layers above the concrete so there will be closures and a contraflow on the M5 to keep everyone on the motorway safe. Our work will finish before Easter 2025.”