Motorists travelling on the M5 in Somerset are being warned to expect long-term disruption as bridge repair work gets underway from next month. The closures and restrictions, says the Somerset County Gazette, will affect the motorway between junction 19 near Portbury and junction 22, the exit for Burnham on Sea.

Work will commence on or after Tuesday 1 September and is expected to finish by 20 December 2029.

The northbound motorway will close overnight between junctions 22 and 20, while the southbound will shut between junctions 19 and 22.

Several entry and exit slip roads will also face overnight closures. Weekend closures are planned for the southbound exit and northbound entry slip roads at junction 21.

A mandatory 50 speed limit will be enforced on certain sections, and a contraflow system will be in operation, and vehicles wider than two metres will be banned from specific lanes. The hard shoulder will be used to aid traffic flow.

Diversions will be in place, utilising other M5 junctions and local roads and the temporary mandatory speed limits, which do not apply to emergency service or special forces vehicles, will be clearly marked with traffic signs.

The order, under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, will be enacted by National Highways “to enable bridge and parapet refurbishment and associated maintenance to be carried out in safety.”

(Picture: Mapillary)