Drivers should prepare for extended travel times as extensive repairs on the M5’s St Georges Bridge near junction 21, Weston-super-Mare, commence next month.
National Highways has announced a £50 million project to strengthen the bridge’s foundations, involving the bridge being lifted 72 times to replace critical bearings underneath. The upgrades are designed to allow controlled movement of the bridge and facilitate replacement of bridge sections and parapets.
To minimize disruption for the approximately 100,000 vehicles traveling this stretch daily, a contraflow system will maintain three lanes open in both directions, but with a reduced speed limit of 50mph in place. Additionally, a second merge lane onto the M5 will be introduced to ease congestion.
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Rail services passing beneath the bridge will continue uninterrupted, supported by specialized scaffolding systems during the repairs.
This vital maintenance forms part of a broader £8.4 billion resurfacing programme planned for the region’s motorways and major A-roads between 2026 and 2031.
Terry Robinson, Engineering Lead for National Highways, emphasized the importance of this work: “Many major routes, including the St Georges Bridge, were constructed about 60 years ago and require significant renewal to ensure safety and reliability for years ahead. While this project may cause delays, it is essential for maintaining a safe and resilient transport link.”
The next work phase, scheduled for early June, will involve void infilling beneath lanes, overnight closures, and replacement of overbridge joints.
National Highways has assured that these extensive repairs will extend the bridge’s lifespan and reduce the risk of unexpected closures, improving reliability for local communities, businesses, and freight transportation. As the project progresses, safety measures such as void filling, resurfacing, and the contraflow system will remain until completion.
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