M5 drivers face 15mph disruption

Drivers have been warned of a slow-moving abnormal load which may cause delays on the M5. The vehicle will be travelling at a speed of around 15mph southbound on the motorway. Avon and Somerset Police warn drivers will face disruption from between 9am and 12pm on Thursday, October 9 while the load is being transported.

The vehicle is set to join the M5 at J23 at Dunball and slowly head towards J26 at Wellington, where it will exit the motorway. Avon and Somerset Police said: "Please allow extra time if planning to travel south on the M5 between 9am and midday tomorrow, Thurs 9 Oct, as a slow moving abnormal load will cause disruption. "It will join the M5 at Dunball, jnc 23, and travel at about 15mph to jnc 26, Wellington."

It comes as motorists are warned of even more M5 disruption in the coming weeks, with around four months of M5 restrictions and overnight closures in place between October and February. National Highways has said the work will improve drainage and prevent flooding on the motorway near Wellington, reducing the likelihood of future wet weather-related incidents and closures. To enable the work, National Highways will maintain three narrow lanes in each direction through the junction with a speed limit of 50mph for the majority of the works.

For safety reasons, a 50mph speed limit will also be in place northbound from October 28 until February 19 with a similar speed restriction in place on the southbound carriageway from November 2 until February 11.