Sections of the M5 motorway in Somerset will undergo overnight closures for nearly two weeks this February as part of vital drainage improvements. The motorway will be fully closed between junction 25 (Taunton) and junction 27 (Tiverton) on select nights to upgrade the drainage system at Junction 26 in Wellington.
Full overnight closures will occur from 9 pm to 6 am on Wednesday, February 11; Thursday, February 12; Saturday, February 14; and Sunday, February 15. The motorway will also be closed overnight from Thursday, February 19 through Monday, February 23.
Following these closures, two lanes will be shut overnight on the southbound carriageway between the same junctions from 8 pm to 6 am, from February 22 to February 25. Then, the northbound carriageway will experience similar lane closures overnight from February 25 to 28.
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Jonathan Hill, South West route manager for National Highways, emphasized the importance of this work, stating, “This essential project will enhance road safety and improve resilience against wet weather by reducing flooding and surface water issues at this critical location.”
Hill added that the timing of the project was carefully coordinated with Somerset Council’s concrete renewal scheme at the junction and Chelston Link Road works to minimize disruption during the busy summer months.
Drivers should expect signed diversions throughout the closure periods, but be aware that plans are subject to change at short notice. For the latest updates, travelers are encouraged to consult National Highways’ daily closures page and live traffic information services.