Drivers using the M5 are advised to allow a little extra time for their journeys once bridge refurbishment works enter their next phase. 

The bridges on the M5 at junctions 15 and 16 (Almondsbury and Patchway) are now over 50 years old and in need of refurbishment.  

Waterproofing, surfacing, expansion joints and repairs to the concrete are needed to maintain the bridges and are part of ongoing bridge refurbishment works in the South West. 

A contraflow system between junctions 14 to 17 is now set to be installed to allow for work to safely take place.

National Highways aims to complete the works by Summer 2024, over which time there will be various contraflow arrangements to allow safe access to the bridge decks. 

The next phase of works include:

• Monday 2 October – M5 junction 19 northbound entry slip road closed from 10pm until 6am the following morning for survey works. Diversion route is via M5 junction 20 and back.
• Monday 2 October to Wednesday 4 October – M5 junction 14 to 17 fully closed in both directions overnight between the hours of 8pm and 6am the following morning. This is to allow us to switch the traffic management in preparation for the first contraflow phase.
• Wednesday 4 October to Saturday 7 October - M5 junction 14 to 17 fully closed in both directions overnight between the hours of 9pm and 6am the following morning. This is to allow us to switch the traffic management in preparation for the first contraflow phase
• Sunday 8 October – M5 junction 14 to 17 closed southbound only overnight between the hours of 9pm and 6am the following morning. This is so we can complete the installation of the new contraflow phase.

For full closures of the M5, drivers should follow the signed diversion routes.

Keith Warren, Senior Project Manager for National Highways, said: "We appreciate roadworks can be frustrating, but we need to carry out this work to ensure the long-term integrity of the bridges and that they are fit for the future. 

"We know this is a busy area, and there's never a good time to carry out roadworks. We're delivering these improvements at the same time as the ongoing M4/M5 safety enhancements so we can share resources and cut down on the time we'll be working on the road.  

"Please accept our apologies in advance for any disruption which may be caused. We'll make every effort to ensure the impact is kept to a minimum." 

Traffic management will be in place on the M5 between junctions 14 and 17 to summer 2024.  

We always aim to work to the programme, however, unforeseen circumstances or adverse weather conditions may mean work is sometimes postponed.