National Highways  are undertaking essential safety improvement works on the M5 at junction 23 this November and December. The central reservation barrier along a section of the motorway near Bridgwater has reached its end of life and will be replaced with new steel beam barriers.

 

The work, which starts on 2 November, will require a combination of full carriageway closures, lane closures and speed restrictions (50mph) in both directions. During the full closures, signed diversions will be in place from M5 junction 22 and M5 junction 24 along the A38 through Bridgwater.

 

National Highways have worked closely with partners to minimise disruption and the overnight closures have been planned to avoid the nights of the Burnham and Weston-super-Mare carnivals.

 

What will the closures look like?

 

2 – 10 November 2025 – full closures:

  • From 9pm on 2 November until 6am on the 3 November, the M5 northbound will be closed between junction 24 and junction 22.
  • 4 – 6 November there will be full overnight closures of the M5 in both directions from 9pm until 6am. The M5 northbound will be closed between junction 24 and junction 22. The M5 southbound will be closed between junction 23 and junction 24. The M5 will reopen at 6am on Friday 7 November.
  • From 9pm on 9 November until 6am on 10 November the M5 will be closed southbound between junction 23 and junction 24.

 

3 November – 19 December – 24-hour lane closures:

  • Lane 3 will be closed northbound on the M5 between junction 24 and 23 from the 3 November – 19 December.
  • Lane 3 will be closed southbound on the M5 between junction 23 and 24 from the 5 November – 18 December

 

15 – 20 December – full closures:

  • 15 – 18 December there will be full overnight closures on the M5 in both directions from 9pm – 6am. The M5 northbound will be closed between junction 24 and junction 22. The M5 southbound will be closed between junction 23 and junction 24.
  • On 19 December the M5 northbound will have an additional full night closure from 9pm between junctions 24 and 22. It will re-open at 6am on the 20 December

 

Please be aware that on the 9 November, two different sections of the M5 southbound will both closed overnight between 9pm and 6am:

  • Junction 23 and 24 near Bridgwater
  • Junction 25 and 27 near Wellington

These closures may cause disruption and appreciate your patience while they carry out this vital work. The timing has been carefully chosen to coincide with lower traffic volumes and avoid key local events.

 

Please plan your journeys in advance and check our website for updates and other works in the area.