M5 Bridge Repairs Near Weston-super-Mare to Enforce 50mph Limit for Four Years

Drivers using the M5 near Weston-super-Mare are being advised to expect delays as crucial repair work on St Georges Bridge begins next month. The £50 million project will reinforce the bridge’s foundation by lifting it 72 times to replace bearings underneath, ensuring the structure remains safe and durable for decades to come.

To maintain traffic flow on the heavily used motorway, which serves around 100,000 vehicles daily, three lanes will stay open in both directions under a contraflow system, with a reduced speed limit of 50mph in place throughout the four-year duration of the works. Additionally, National Highways plans to add a second merge lane onto the M5 to ease congestion.

Rail services running beneath the bridge will continue uninterrupted thanks to specialized scaffolding installed for the duration of the repairs.

This extensive maintenance forms part of a broader £8.4 billion resurfacing programme planned for 2026 to 2031, aimed at renewing major motorways and A-roads constructed approximately 60 years ago.

Terry Robinson, Engineering Lead at National Highways, highlighted the importance of the project: “The St Georges Bridge is heavily trafficked and urgently requires significant work to ensure ongoing safety and operational reliability. While these complex repairs may cause some delays, they are vital for maintaining this critical route.”

The next phase of the scheme is set to commence in early June with void infilling beneath lanes, accompanied by overnight closures and overbridge joint replacements. The work will extend the lifespan of the bridge and reduce the likelihood of unplanned closures for emergency repairs, providing a more resilient and dependable route for local communities, businesses, and freight transport.

Early preparatory work has already begun, but as the main activities ramp up, the contraflow system and speed restrictions will be strictly enforced to protect workers and road users alike.