Motorists should prepare for M5 closures and diversions due to essential repairs in Somerset over the coming weeks
Willand: So, here’s the scoop. The M5 is going to have some closures and diversions for a while. They’re doing essential work on the motorway, and it’s starting now.
For the next few weeks, expect some changes, especially near Willand. They’ve set up a southbound contraflow that’ll be in place until January 13. After that, they’ll switch it to the northbound side.
Why all this fuss? Well, National Highways is fixing up the concrete base layer around junction 27. They need to take off the surface layers, which means some roadwork is a must.
Today, January 10, the northbound junction 27 will be closed from 9 am to 6 am. If you’re driving, you’ll have to take a detour through junction 26 and 28.
From January 13 to January 22, the M5 will be closed overnight from 9 pm to 6 am on weeknights. But don’t worry, it’ll be open during the day and on weekends. Just follow the A38 and B3181 for detours.
Starting January 14, they’ll have two lanes open in each direction between junctions 26 and 28. They’ll even be using the hard shoulder to keep things moving.
On January 24, expect another overnight closure from 9 pm to 6 am between junctions 28 and 26. Again, detours will be via the A38 and B3181.
Weather permitting, the northbound contraflow will kick in on January 25, with two lanes running in each direction. All traffic will be using the northbound side.
Heads up! The southbound junction 27 entry and exit slip roads will be closed from 9 pm on January 31 until 6 am on February 3. You’ll need to divert to junctions 26 and 28.
And there’s more! The same slip roads will be closed again from 9 pm on February 7 until 6 am on February 10. Diversions will still be through junctions 26 and 28.
National Highways has assured everyone that these repairs are crucial for safety. They’re aiming to finish everything before Easter 2025, so hang in there!
