M5 link road about to reopen after three months of closures
The major GBP5.7 million Somerset Council scheme to replace a deteriorating 51-year-old concrete road which has seen a key road from the M5 closed for months is about to end. All slip roads at J26, the roundabout and the A38 link road from the motorway to the Chelston roundabout have been closed since June 16 while replacement work took place. But all slip roads, the roundabout, and the A38 link road connecting the motorway to the Chelston roundabout are now due to reopen tonight - overnight between Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7--almost a month earlier than originally planned.
The early reopening has been made possible by a combination of overnight and extended working and use of innovative techniques. The project team prioritised work which would enable the road to reopen as soon as possible. Works will continue during September but will be completed after the closure has been lifted.
(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
Somerset Council's lead member for transport and waste services, Councillor Richard Wilkins, said: "We pledged to do everything in our power to keep disruption to a minimum and it is fantastic news that the A38 and motorway junction will reopen well ahead of schedule." He added: "Thanks also to our project team and contractors Heidelberg Materials for their hard work.
I am proud of their efforts to deliver these long overdue improvements much earlier than planned." Jonathan Hill, National Highways route manager, said: "It's good to see Somerset Council and their teams deliver this significant road improvement scheme ahead of schedule. We're grateful to drivers for their patience during the programme of work."
The timeline for construction was coordinated with National Highways to avoid clashes with upcoming M5 work and to ensure uninterrupted winter access to a gritting depot near the site.
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