National Highways has confirmed that planned closures between J25 (Taunton) and J27 (Tiverton) of the M5 will no longer be going ahead due to what it called an ‘environmental issue’.

The motorway was scheduled to be closed between Taunton and Tiverton as part of a scheme that followed Somerset Council’s concrete renewal at Junction 26 and the Chelston link road, starting yesterday (19 February) and lasting until Monday, February 23. The road was due to be shut overnight as highway crews completed road repairs to “improve drainage and alleviate flooding”.

A National Highways spokesperson said:

“We need to pause work due to an environmental issue. This requires us to apply for a European Protective Species Licence from Natural England. We expect to resume work on site and provide a revised programme of closures by the end of March.

“This means the completion date of the scheme will now be the end of April. This is subject to weather and the environmental issue being resolved.”

(Picture: Mapillary)