Motorists in Somerset encouraged to plan ahead of M5 overnight closures
Find out more about the road closures
As work progresses on the Hinkley Connection Project which will connect low carbon energy to six million homes and business, National Grid is encouraging drivers travelling in and around Somerset to allow extra time for journeys as overnight closures to two sections of the M5 motorway begin later this month.
The closures are to enable the installation of the wires on the newly constructed T-pylons next to the M5, and and removal of wires from the nearby line of existing lattice pylons.
To protect residents, road users and people working on the project, in April and June the M5 will be fully closed overnight in both directions between junctions 19 and 20 for all vehicles, and junctions 19 and 21 for HGVs. This is so that scaffolding needed for the works can be erected and then removed when the work is completed. The closures have been planned for midweek and overnight when there is least traffic. The closures have been planned with National Highways, North Somerset Council and Bristol City Council.
M5 closures
- Tuesday 25, Wednesday 26, Thursday 27 April - overnight closures of the M5 between Junction 19 and 21 between 10pm and 5am.
- Friday 12 May - overnight closure of Junction 18a slip road between 10.30pm and 2.00am.
- Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June - overnight closures of the M5 between Junction 19 and 21 between 10pm and 5am.
Diversion routes during the overnight closures of the M5 between Junction 19 and 21
Northbound
The diversion will be in place for all vehicles from junction 21 along the A370 and the A4, re-joining the motorway at junction 18.
There will also be an additional diversion route for light vehicles only, from junction 20 at Clevedon, along the B3130 and B3128 to the A370.
Southbound
A diversion route will be in place from junction 18 along the A4 and A370, re-joining the motorway at junction 21. This diversion route is for all vehicles. There will also be an additional diversion route heading southbound for light vehicles only. This will be in place from junction 19, along the A369 and B3128 and onto the A370.
Clean Air Zone charge lifted during M5 closures
Bristol City Council has confirmed its Clean Air Zone charge will be lifted on the diversion routes while this work to help connect low carbon energy to homes and businesses takes place.
Other nearby road closures
There will also be associated road closures and traffic management on local roads in North Somerset to facilitate the safe installation of the wires between the pylons. Scaffolding will be in place where the wires cross over roads and controlled lifting systems will lift the wires into place.
Aden Precious, Project Manager, for the overhead lines said: “These closures are important to ensure the safety of all road users and our workers as we continue our work to construct this nationally significant electricity infrastructure. We work closely with National Highways and local authorities to do all we can to minimise disruption and have planned these closures overnight when there is least traffic on the roads. We apologise for any inconvenience and longer journey times during these periods and thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we progress with this vital work to connect new sources of homegrown, low carbon energy, and help the UK meet its net zero ambitions.”
