Motorists traveling on the M5 through Devon and Somerset should brace themselves for prolonged delays and disruptions. A series of major maintenance works are scheduled to run until February 2026, impacting key sections of the motorway.
Currently, the southbound carriageway between junctions 28 and 30 is closed in sections during weeknights, a measure that started in mid-September and will continue until December. This is part of essential resurfacing and drainage improvement efforts.
Adding to this, from Monday, October 20, a second significant operation begins around Junction 26 near Wellington. The £5.9 million programme focuses on de-silting ditches, conducting camera surveys, renewing gullies, replacing blocked drainage pipes, resurfacing the road, and applying new road markings. These improvements aim to reduce flooding and enhance safety by upgrading drainage systems prone to causing closures after heavy rain.
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To safely carry out this work, a 50mph speed limit will be imposed with three narrow lanes maintained in both directions through Junction 26 for most of the project’s duration. This limit is enforced 24/7 northbound from October 28 until February 19, and southbound from November 2 until February 11.
In addition to speed restrictions, numerous overnight closures are planned between junctions 25 and 27, affecting both northbound and southbound traffic on specific dates spanning October 2025 through February 2026. These include full closures during the night hours and lane closures permitting single-lane running during maintenance.
Slip road closures will also occur between Junctions 29 and 30, with signed diversions directing traffic via the A30, A38, and A358 to maintain access where possible. Notably, a full closure is scheduled from 7pm on Saturday, November 29, until 7am on Sunday, November 30.
Drivers are encouraged to plan their journeys carefully and expect extended travel times due to these essential works on a major transport artery in the region. National Highways emphasize that the temporary disruptions will significantly enhance the motorway’s resilience against flooding and improve road safety for years to come.