M5 Roadworks Prompt Closures and Contraflow Systems

Drivers have been advised to plan their journeys in advance due to upcoming road closures and contraflow arrangements on the M5. National Highways stated that concrete repairs are required for the motorway’s base near the Devon-Somerset border, which will involve removing the existing surface layers. The agency indicated that the south gyratory at junction 27 for Willand is scheduled to close from 20:30 GMT on Saturday until 06:00 the following day to mark the beginning of the roadworks, with a diversion route to be established. National Highways further confirmed that additional closures are anticipated before Christmas, with the entire project slated for completion prior to Easter 2025. From Sunday to Wednesday, National Highways announced that the M5 southbound carriageway between junctions 26 (Wellington) and 28 (Cullompton) will be inaccessible nightly from 20:30 to 06:00. On Thursday and Friday, the northbound section of the same motorway stretch will be closed during the identical hours. This will be followed by a one-night closure of the south gyratory at junction 27, scheduled from 20:30 to 06:00 on Saturday, 16 November. It was also stated that from 06:00 on the same Saturday, a contraflow system will be implemented on the southbound carriageway, providing two lanes for traffic in each direction. Plans are in place to transfer traffic to the northbound side early next year. The northbound exit slip road at junction 27 is set to be closed from 20:30 to 06:00 between 25 and 29 November. Subsequently, the entry slip road at the same junction will be shut during the same times from 9 to 13 December. Kevin Gibbs, project manager for National Highways, expressed the organization’s regret for any inconvenience caused by the closures and contraflow. He added that the completed work is expected to benefit road users for many years. Mr Gibbs stated: “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.”