Comprehensive M5 Closures Announced as Motorists Warned of Extensive Roadworks

Drivers using the M5 motorway are being cautioned about upcoming extensive roadworks and closures across various sections. Currently, the southbound carriageway between junctions 28 and 30 is already closed in parts. Now, further works are set to commence near Junction 26 at Wellington, where a 50mph speed limit will be enforced.

National Highways has confirmed a major barrier renewal project on the stretch between Burnham-on-Sea and Bridgwater, specifically between junctions 24 and 22. This vital maintenance, scheduled to run through to December, will replace the aging wire rope central reservation barrier with modern steel beam barriers, enhancing safety and resilience.

The £1.1 million barrier upgrade complements other ongoing projects, including a £5.9 million drainage improvement near junction 26 aimed at addressing flooding issues, and a £5 million southbound resurfacing and technology upgrade between Cullompton and Exeter.

Drainage repairs will occur concurrently with the barrier replacement. Work begins on Sunday, 2 November, with a full northbound overnight closure between junctions 24 and 22 from 8pm to 6am, followed by additional night closures northbound and southbound on 4th, 5th, and 6th November, and a southbound overnight closure on 9th November. These overnight works have been scheduled to avoid local events such as the Burnham and Weston-super-Mare carnivals. During closures, traffic will be diverted onto the A38.

Jonathan Hill, National Highways Route Manager, said, “We recognize that road users are navigating numerous roadworks this autumn and winter, but the work represents a significant investment to improve safety, journey smoothness, and reduce future unplanned closures. We have planned the works overnight and in lower traffic periods to minimize disruption and appreciate the public’s patience.”

The barrier renewal and drainage improvements are expected to finish by 19 December, before the Christmas holiday season, with two lanes remaining open in both directions during the work.

Additionally, a planned full closure of the M5 southbound between junctions 25 and 27 on a Saturday night has been adjusted. Initially set for 9pm to 6am on the night of the Bridgwater Carnival, the closure will now operate with two lanes closed from 9pm to midnight, followed by all three lanes closed from midnight to 6am.

Below is a detailed timeline of the upcoming closures:

27 to 31 October 2025: M5 northbound, junctions 27 to 25
28 October 2025 to 20 February 2026: Ongoing works
1 to 3 November 2025: M5 southbound, junctions 25 to 27 (including overnight closures)
4 to 7 November 2025, 9pm - 6am nightly: Lane 3 closed northbound between junctions 24 and 23; M5 closed both directions intermittently
5 November to 18 December 2025: Lane 3 closed southbound between junctions 23 and 24
9 to 10 November 2025: M5 southbound, junctions 25 to 27 overnight closure
11 to 12 November: Junction 29 entry and exit slip roads closed, with diversions via A30
13 to 26 November: Junction 29 entry and junction 30 exit slips closed with single lane running
27 November: Junction 30 entry slip road closed, diversions in place
28 November to 8 December: M5 southbound junctions 29 to 30 full closure, including weekend overnight closure
1 to 6 December: M5 northbound between junctions 27 and 25 with lane closures
6 to 8 December: M5 southbound between junctions 25 and 27
9 to 12 December: Full closures on M5 southbound between junctions 28 to 30 with diversions
13 to 15 December: Southbound closures between junctions 25 and 27
15 to 18 December nightly: Full M5 closures both directions
19 December overnight: Northbound full closure between junctions 24 and 22
20 December 2025 to 28 February 2026: Multiple southbound and northbound lane and slip road closures as listed

Motorists are advised to plan journeys accordingly, follow diversion signage, and allow extra time during these improvement works aimed at making the M5 safer and more reliable.