Motorists travelling on the M5 near Junction 26 for Wellington should prepare for significant delays and restrictions lasting over four months. Starting Monday, October 20, 2025, National Highways will begin a £5.9 million project aimed at improving drainage and reducing flood risk on the carriageway and verges in Somerset.
The extensive works will include de-silting ditches, renewing gullies, installing new drainage pipes and fittings, conducting camera surveys, resurfacing the road, and applying fresh road markings. These improvements are designed to alleviate flooding problems that have previously caused traffic disruptions and offered a safer driving environment during wet conditions.
To ensure the safety of both workers and drivers, the motorway will be reduced to three narrow lanes in each direction, accompanied by a 50mph speed limit for much of the project duration. The speed restriction will be in place northbound from October 28, 2025, until February 19, 2026, and southbound from November 2, 2025, until February 11, 2026.
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Jonathan Hill, South West Route Manager for National Highways, emphasized the importance of the scheme: “This project will enhance safety and resilience against wet weather, preventing future flooding-related closures. We have coordinated closely with Somerset Council to schedule these works outside of peak travel times, minimizing disruption as much as possible.”
The project timeline accounts for nearby concrete renewal works by Somerset Council to avoid overlapping closures that could worsen traffic delays, especially during busy summer months. Overnight lane and full closures will also occur to install traffic management systems and carry out critical stages of the work. Signed diversions will be in force during these closures, directing southbound traffic from Junction 25 to Junction 27 via the A358 and A38, and northbound drivers on the reverse route.
Key closure dates include two-lane overnight closures from October 20-26, 2025, full overnight closures between October 27 and November 9, 2025, and intermittent overnight full closures through February 2026. Motorists are advised to plan alternative routes and drive with caution through the work zones.
In summary, while these improvements may cause temporary inconvenience, they are essential for enhancing the M5’s safety and resilience, ensuring smoother and safer journeys in the long term.