The Somerset Council’s Infrastructure Programmes Group (IPG) has been shortlisted for the coveted Team of the Year award at the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) annual awards. This nomination highlights the team’s exceptional work in upgrading key parts of Somerset’s road network, including multiple junctions along the M5 motorway.
Since its establishment in 2015, the IPG has managed over £110 million in improvements to highways deemed strategically significant within the county. Their portfolio showcases a strong reputation for delivering complex infrastructure projects on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality.
Notable projects completed by the team include extensive upgrades to various junctions on the M5, which have enhanced traffic flow and safety for local communities and commuters alike.
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Councillor Richard Wilkins, portfolio holder for transport and waste services, praised the team: “Being shortlisted for this prestigious national award is a testament to the dedication, expertise, and collaborative spirit of our IPG. Their consistent ability to deliver high-quality projects while maintaining strong cost and programme control sets a benchmark for infrastructure delivery in the public sector.”
Looking ahead, the IPG is preparing to commence the upgrade of the Edithmead roundabout, a vital link between Highbridge, Burnham-on-Sea, and junction 22 of the M5. Preparatory work has been completed, and the council is finalizing the schedule in partnership with North Somerset Council. This collaboration aims to reduce journey times between the M5 and Bristol Airport through multiple coordinated schemes.
Additionally, the IPG is poised to contribute to improvements on the B3191 Cleeve Hill, between Watchet and Blue Anchor, pending a successful bid to the government’s structures fund.
The Somerset IPG’s award nomination underscores its role as a leader in delivering transformative infrastructure projects that benefit both local communities and the wider region.