A £5.7million scheme to upgrade Junction 26 of the M5 along with a connecting link road has moved closer following the appointment of a contractor. 

The scheme will see the ageing concrete surface of Junction 26 near Wellington and the A38 link road to Chelston completely renewed. 

The original concrete surface, constructed in 1974, is showing signs of deterioration and the Council is working with contractor Balfour Beatty on the largely government-funded scheme to safely remove the old material and relay the surface. 

 The project is currently in the design phase, with work expected to commence in the spring of 2023. 

 Executive Lead Member for Transport and Digital, Cllr Mike Rigby, said: "We're really pleased to appoint Balfour Beatty to carry out this important scheme – regular users of this route will be familiar with the old concrete carriageway. 

"It's reached the end of its working life and this scheme will see the old surface removed and renewed, ensuring it is fit for purpose for decades to come." 

 Somerset County Council looks after 4,172 miles of road