National Highways is reminding drivers using the M5 to plan their journeys and allow extra time ahead of upcoming closures and contraflow.
The changes are needed to allow for concrete repairs to the base of the road, improving safety for everyone using this busy section of road and reducing the need for any unplanned closures.
The government-funded company needs to remove the surface layers above the concrete so there will be closures and a contraflow on the M5 to keep everyone on the motorway safe.
Work will be starting near the central reservation, before moving across the carriageway. Weather dependent, the work will finish before Easter 2025.
Closure information:
Saturday 9 November : The south gyratory on junction 27 will be closed for one night from 8:30pm to 6am. Traffic will be diverted via B3181, Willand Road & Heathcoat Way.
Sunday 10 November to Wednesday 13 November: The southbound M5 will be closed between junctions 26 (Wellington) and 28 (Cullompton) from 8.30pm to 6am each night. A diversion will be in place via the A38 and the B3181.
Thursday 14 November to Friday 15 November: The northbound M5 will be closed between junction 28 (Cullompton) and junction 26 (Wellington) from 8.30pm to 6am each night. Traffic will be diverted via the A38 & B3181.
Saturday 16 November: The south gyratory on junction 27 will be closed for one night from 8:30pm to 6am. Traffic will be diverted via B3181, Willand Road & Heathcoat Way.
From 6am Saturday 16 November: Two lanes running in each direction with all traffic using the southbound carriageway in a contraflow. Early next year, traffic will be moved to the northside to allow work on the southbound carriageway.
Monday 25 to Friday 29 November: The M5 northbound junction 27 exit slip road will be closed from 8.30pm to 6am each night. Traffic will be diverted via junction 26.
Monday 9 to Friday 13 December: The M5 northbound junction 27 entry slip road will be closed from 8.30pm to 6am each night. Traffic will be diverted via junction 28.
Early next year, work will move traffic to the northbound side to allow work on the southbound carriageway. More information will be available as work progresses. To minimise disruption during peak times, the work is due to complete in spring 2025, ahead of the Easter holidays.
Kevin Gibbs, Project Manager for National Highways, said: “Safety is our number one priority, and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but need to carry out these essential repairs to ensure the long-term maintenance and safety of the road.
“We understand that road closures are frustrating, but by closing the road and installing a contraflow, we can get this essential repair work done safely and quickly, causing less disruption overall. Once it’s all complete, these improvements will benefit road users and the local community for many years to come.”
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