Heidelberg Materials UK is celebrating award success with project partner AECOM and client Somerset Council for the M5 Junction 26 Chelston Link project in Wellington.
The complex scheme to replace a rapidly deteriorating concrete road was named winner of the Project Excellence and Innovation Award at the NEC Martin Barnes Awards, which recognise excellence in project delivery and collaboration across the world.
It faced international competition from a shortlist of projects that included the £5 billion Trunk Road T4 in Sha Tin, Hong Kong, and HMP Millsike, a £500 million development recognised as the UK’s first all-electric prison.
The M5 Junction 26 scheme, involved carriageway reconstruction on the roundabout and the adjacent A38 link road from the M5 to the Chelston roundabout and included a number of lower carbon techniques to minimise its environmental impact.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Highways and Transport, said:
“The M5 Junction 26 Chelston Link project demonstrates what can be achieved when local authorities and industry partners work together with ambition, innovation and a clear focus on outcomes for local communities. I would like to thank everyone involved for their dedication and contribution to this success.”
Tim Doyle, Heidelberg Materials’ Somerset Framework Manager, added:
“This award is testament to the strong working relationship with Somerset Council which enabled the use of innovative techniques and materials to lower the carbon impact of the improvement works and reopen the motorway junction and link road well ahead of schedule.”
The award follows recognition for the project earlier this year when it was shortlisted for the Best Highways Decarbonisation Award at the Decarbonising Transport Awards 2026, acknowledging its contribution to reducing carbon and embedding sustainable delivery practices; and was commended in the Innovation Award at the CIHT South West Awards 2026, recognising its innovative approach to project delivery and outcomes.
(Picture: Somerset Council)
