The Somerset section of the M5 is facing four months of roadworks in a near-£6m project to improve drainage and combat the motorway’s consistent flooding issues.

For the majority of the works, three narrow lanes of the motorway will stay open in each direction near junction 26 for Wellington, says the BBC.

Some overnight closures will be needed to install traffic management and signage, Highways England said, at which time signed diversions will be in place.

Jonathan Hill, from National Highways, said:

“As with all schemes, we’re doing all we can to keep disruption to an absolute minimum and we thank all drivers in advance for their co-operation and patience while we carry out this essential work.”

For safety reasons, a 50mph speed limit will be in place northbound from 28 October until 19 February.

A similar speed restriction will be in place on the southbound carriageway from 2 November until 11 February.

The work will involve de-silting ditches, camera survey and proofing work, gully renewal, the replacement of blocked drainage pipes and fittings, resurfacing and road marking, National Highways said.

Mr Hill added:

“This is an essential scheme which will bring twofold benefits in terms of safety and wet weather resilience, reducing the likelihood of flooding and surface water issues at this location.”

The project is due to be completed by the end of February.

(Pic: Somerset Council)