Motorists should prepare for substantial disruption as the A38 Chelston link road and M5 Junction 26 near Wellington will close from tonight until late September. This £5.7 million infrastructure project aims to replace the aging concrete road surface and improve the motorway junction, both originally constructed in 1974.
Somerset Council, with funding secured from the Government, is undertaking this vital upgrade to prevent ongoing expensive repairs and long-term traffic issues. The closure will affect slip roads, the roundabout at Junction 26, and the link road leading to the Chelston roundabout. However, access to Foxmoor Business Park will remain open throughout the works to serve business traffic.
Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Transport and Waste Services Lead Councillor, emphasized the project’s necessity: “Most people recognise this work needs doing and welcome the fact the road is being replaced. We understand there are real concerns about the closure, and it will be a challenging scheme to deliver, but this is essential for the area’s transport future.”
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National Highways Route Manager Jonathan Hill reinforced the coordination efforts: “We have collaborated closely with local authorities to plan the works, aiming for the quickest delivery and least disruption. Essential access for winter maintenance vehicles at the Chelston depot has also been factored into the schedule.”
The project will use an innovative rubblization technique, breaking up the existing concrete and recycling around 7,300 tonnes on-site as a sub-base for the new road. This approach avoids removing waste material, reduces carbon emissions by approximately 200 tonnes, and cuts roughly 1,130 lorry movements, making the upgrade more environmentally friendly and efficient.
Traffic management will ensure safety, with half-and-half working on alternate sides of the roundabout to allow limited access for operational vehicles. Due to the road’s width constraints, the A38 Chelston link road itself will be completely closed for traffic between Junction 26 and Foxmoor Business Park during construction.
Local councils and contractors will closely monitor traffic and diversion routes, coordinating with neighboring regions to prevent additional delays. While bus services like the Stagecoach Falcon will suspend stops at Wellington during the works, other frequent routes via the A38 will continue to operate.
Despite the expected challenges, the completed project promises a smoother, quieter road with enhanced drainage to reduce flooding risks. The timing and funding were carefully chosen, with the next available window for such work not expected until 2028 if delayed.
Somerset Council advises all drivers to plan their journeys carefully and remain patient throughout this crucial upgrade to one of the region’s key transport links.