Drivers should prepare for significant roadworks on the M5 as essential repairs to St Georges Bridge, near junction 21 at Weston-super-Mare, set to begin next month. The ambitious £50 million project involves strengthening the bridge’s foundation by lifting it 72 times to replace the bearings underneath, ensuring long-term stability and safety.
National Highways emphasizes that these critical repairs will maintain structural movement and allow for the replacement of bridge sections and parapets. Despite the complexity of the work, efforts will be made to minimize disruptions. To manage traffic efficiently, three lanes in both directions will remain open under a contraflow system, accompanied by a strict 50mph speed limit.
To further ease congestion, a second merge lane onto the M5 will be introduced. Meanwhile, rail services passing under the bridge will continue uninterrupted, supported by specialized scaffolding.
READ MORE: Ultra-Rare Blue Micro Moon Illuminates Iconic UK Landscapes in May 2026
This project is part of a wider £8.4 billion investment in motorway resurfacing and maintenance scheduled between 2026 and 2031, targeting roads built approximately 60 years ago that now require upgrades to continue serving future generations safely.
Terry Robinson, Engineering Lead at National Highways, commented: “The St Georges Bridge is heavily trafficked and in urgent need of significant repairs to ensure driver safety and the integrity of this crucial route. We recognize this may cause delays and recommend extra travel time, particularly during peak hours.”
The next phase begins in early June, involving void infilling beneath lanes, overnight closures, and overbridge joint replacement. These upgrades will extend the bridge’s lifespan and reduce the risk of emergency closures, delivering a more reliable and resilient route vital for local communities, businesses, and freight movement.
As the work progresses, nighttime resurfacing and contraflow systems will remain in place throughout the main construction period to maintain safety and traffic flow.