Motorists travelling along a major motorway have been warned they face reduced speed limits of 50mph for several months as National Highways begins a major drainage improvement programme later this month.
The £5.9million project aims to address persistent flooding problems near junction 26 at Wellington on the M5 in Somerset, with work scheduled to commence on Monday, October 20, and continuing until late February 2026.
The scheme follows concerns about water accumulation on the carriageway and verges, which have previously led to weather-related incidents and road closures in the area.
Throughout the construction period, traffic will be maintained in three narrowed lanes in both directions through the junction, with the reduced speed limit implemented to ensure safety during the extensive infrastructure improvements.
The comprehensive work will include clearing silt from drainage ditches, conducting camera surveys and proofing operations, renewing gullies, and replacing obstructed drainage pipes and components.
Road resurfacing and new line markings will also form part of the improvements designed to enhance the motorway’s resilience against severe weather conditions.
The project represents a significant investment in infrastructure aimed at preventing future surface water accumulation that has previously caused hazardous driving conditions.
National Highways has scheduled the works to follow completion of the Somerset Council’s concrete renewal project at the same junction and the Chelston link road.
National Highways has put the speed limit in place to allow essential work to get underway
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PAOfficials determined that running both schemes simultaneously would have created substantial delays for travellers during peak summer traffic periods, affecting both the motorway network and surrounding local routes.
Jonathan Hill, National Highways’ South West Route Manager, said: “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.
“As with all schemes, we’ve worked closely with partners to find a suitable timeframe to deliver the project. 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.”
Mr Hill explained that the drainage improvements could not proceed alongside Somerset Council’s infrastructure work as this would have severely affected journey times during the peak summer period on both the motorway and adjacent local roads.
From this month, certain M5 junctions will operate at 50mph
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PAThe 50mph restriction will take effect on the northbound carriageway from October 28 through to February 19, while southbound traffic will encounter the reduced limit from November 2 until February 11 2026.
National Highways explained that these dates allow for a phased approach to the construction work, ensuring continuous traffic flow while maintaining safety standards throughout the drainage improvement programme.
The speed reduction extends beyond the immediate work zone to provide adequate protection for construction crews and to accommodate the movement of heavy machinery and equipment.
National Highways has confirmed that the temporary speed limits would be essential safety measures during the extensive pipe replacement and resurfacing operations, which require workers to operate in close proximity to live traffic lanes.
But the agency warned that several overnight road closures will be necessary to establish traffic management systems and install signage, with full diversions directing southbound vehicles from junction 25 to junction 27 using the A358 and A38.
As for northbound traffic, this will follow the same diversion route in reverse during these temporary closures.
Travellers can access current traffic conditions through multiple channels, including the Traffic England website, local radio travel updates, electronic motorway signs, and mobile applications.
Detailed information about all overnight and lane closures, along with other maintenance projects across the South West region, can be found on the National Highways website.