M5 warning issued for five months of delays

Anita Merritt

9 November 2024 at 5:08 am·2-min read

Drivers are being warned to allow extra time for journeys due to 'essential' repair works being carried out at Junction 27 of the M5. The works are not expected to be completed until next Easter.

Work will be starting near the central reservation before moving across the northbound carriageway. Closures will be in place from this evening, November 9, and will continue on different days.

Early next year, work will move traffic to the northbound side to allow work to be carried out on the southbound carriageway. National Highways has confirmed the changes are needed to make concrete repairs to the base of the road to improve safety.

The government-funded company needs to remove the surface layers above the concrete resulting in closures and a contraflow.

Kevin Gibbs, project manager for National Highways, said: "Safety is our number one priority, and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but we need to carry out these essential repairs to ensure the long-term maintenance and safety of the road. 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.

“Once it's all complete, these improvements will benefit road users and the local community for many years to come.”

The scheduled road closures and diversions:

Saturday 9 November: The south gyratory on junction 27 will be closed for one night from 8:30pm to 6am. Traffic will be diverted via B3181, Willand Road & Heathcoat Way.
Sunday 10 November to Wednesday 13 November: The southbound M5 will be closed between junctions 26 (Wellington) and 28 (Cullompton) from 8.30pm to 6am each night. A diversion will be in place via the A38 and the B3181.
Thursday 14 November to Friday 15 November: The northbound M5 will be closed between junction 28 (Cullompton) and junction 26 (Wellington) from 8.30pm to 6am each night. Traffic will be diverted via the A38 & B3181.
Saturday 16 November: The south gyratory on junction 27 will be closed for one night from 8:30pm to 6am. Traffic will be diverted via B3181, Willand Road & Heathcoat Way.
From 6am Saturday 16 November: Two lanes running in each direction with all traffic using the southbound carriageway in a contraflow. Early next year, traffic will be moved to the northside to allow work on the southbound carriageway.
Monday 25 to Friday 29 November: The M5 northbound junction 27 exit slip road will be closed from 8.30pm to 6am each night. Traffic will be diverted via junction 26.
Monday 9 to Friday 13 December: The M5 northbound junction 27 entry slip road will be closed from 8.30pm to 6am each night. Traffic will be diverted via junction 28.

More information will be available as work progresses regarding future road closures and controflows.

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