Lane closures on the M5 in Somerset will persist until Saturday as vital survey work progresses in preparation for the construction of a new junction. This development forms part of wider enhancements to Somerset’s transport infrastructure linked to the establishment of a ‘gigafactory’ on the Gravity enterprise zone, positioned between Puriton and Woolavington.
Among the planned upgrades is a new ‘Junction 22A’, which National Highways aims to deliver to provide a direct access route into the Gravity site from the north-west. In late January, the contractor Costain was appointed to manage the five-year project under a contract valued at approximately £100 million.
Somerset Council has confirmed ongoing survey activities at the prospective junction location are resulting in lane closures between Junction 22 (serving Highbridge and Burnham-on-Sea) and Junction 23 (Bridgwater). Ian Gray, the council’s programme director for the Gravity enterprise zone, provided an update on the progress at the council’s Gravity executive sub-committee meeting in Taunton on Thursday, September 17.
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Mr Gray commented: “Significant progress is being made in collaboration with National Highways. Costain, appointed as the contractor, are conducting detailed ground testing and potential piling trials. If you travel on the motorway late at night, you will have noticed lane closures related to this work. They are coordinating effectively with our internal highways team, which is very encouraging.”
According to the council’s official roadworks portal, one lane on the southbound carriageway between Junctions 22 and 23 will remain closed overnight until 6am on Saturday, September 26, to facilitate survey activities. Additional lane closures are planned by National Highways in mid-October to repaint the lane markings separating the three lanes in each direction.
The forthcoming Junction 22A is designed to feature north-facing slip roads only, with southbound traffic continuing to use Junction 23 for access.
Additionally, a multi-million-pound upgrade of the Edithmead roundabout near Junction 22 is scheduled to commence in early 2027. The scheme, intended to reduce travel times between the M5 and Bristol Airport, will cause approximately a year of disruption. Details of any resultant road closures and diversions are expected to be announced before Christmas.
Motorists are advised to stay informed about ongoing and upcoming roadworks through official channels.