M5 roadworks will require 50mph speed limit

A timeline has been confirmed for the GBP50 million scheme in North Somerset

06:00, 26 May 2026

Work is under way on the complex St Georges Bridge repairs scheme(Image: National Highways )

Drivers are being warned of potential delays as "extensive and essential" repairs to an M5 bridge begin next month.

Work to strengthen the foundation of St Georges Bridge near junction 21 at Weston-super-Mare is being carried out, where the bridge will be lifted 72 times to "replace bearings underneath".

National Highways said the work, costing over GBP50m, will "allow for movement as well as removing and installing new bridge sections and parapets."

To limit delays for the estimated 100,000 vehicles using the motorway, three lanes will remain open in both directions under contraflow, with a 50mph speed limit.

National Highways will also add a second merge lane onto the M5 to help reduce congestion.

Trains will continue to run underneath the bridge by using specialised scaffolding.

The scheme has an allocated GBP8.4 billion for resurfacing carriageways between 2026 and 2031, which includes:

• Structural concrete repairs
• 72 bridge bearing replacements
• Re-painting steel beams under the bridge
• Replacing the road surface
• Waterproofing
• Replacing the barriers on the bridge

Concrete slabbing is removed beneath the bridge ready for repairs to be undertaken(Image: National Highways )

Terry Robinson, Engineering Lead for National Highways, said: "Many of the motorways and major A-roads we manage were built around 60 years ago and need renewing to ensure they remain fit for purpose for generations to come.

"The St Georges bridge is very heavily used and is now in need of significant work, which is vital to keep drivers safe and the route running into the future.

"We appreciate this complex scheme may cause some delays in the area and we're advising road users to allow extra time for journeys, especially during peak hours."

The next phase of work will begin in early June and will see void infilling under lanes, with some overnight closures and overbridge joint replacement.

National Highways said: "The work will extend the life of the bridge and reduce the risk of unplanned closures for emergency maintenance in the future, delivering a more resilient and more reliable route for local communities, businesses and freight.

"Early works have been taking place but as the scheme steps up a pace the next phases will see void filling, resurfacing, and the introduction of a contraflow later this year for safety.

This will remain in place throughout the length of the main works.