Drivers using the M5 near Weston-super-Mare should prepare for prolonged roadworks and new speed limits as engineers begin a major restoration of St George’s Bridge. The scheme will change traffic patterns for years and affects around 100,000 vehicles every day.
New 50mph limit and who it affects
From the start of the programme, a 50mph speed restriction will be enforced along the affected stretch. The limit is expected to remain in place for up to three years.
- The route carries roughly 100,000 vehicles daily.
- Drivers should expect slower journeys, especially at peak times.
- National Highways urges motorists to leave extra time for travel.
What engineers will do to the bridge
The works are comprehensive and aim to extend the bridge’s life and reduce future maintenance. Key tasks include:
- Lifting the bridge repeatedly to replace bearings — the operation will be done 72 times.
- Concrete repairs and replacement of structural sections.
- Renewing parapets, repainting steelwork and adding waterproofing.
- Installing a new road surface and improving drainage.
- Upgrading safety barriers for both road and rail users.
How traffic will be managed during construction
Contractors will keep the motorway open where possible. A long-term contraflow will be used to maintain traffic flow for much of the project.
Planned overnight and short-term closures
- Overnight closures will begin in June as the next phase starts.
- Southbound overnight closures are scheduled from 1–26 June and again from 21–24 July.
- Working hours for closures are between 10pm and 6am.
The contraflow and other temporary layouts will remain in place for the majority of the programme to allow safe access for heavy lifting and repairs.
Targeted changes to reduce congestion
Part of the project includes reworking junction geometry to improve merging. National Highways plans to:
- Widen the northbound entry slip road at Junction 21.
- Add a second merge lane onto the M5 to ease traffic build-up.
These alterations aim to reduce delays around the junction once complete.
Cost, funding and policy context
The programme is funded as part of the government’s long-term road plan. National Highways says it will invest more than £50 million in the St George’s Bridge upgrade.
- The works sit within a wider £27 billion Road Investment Strategy.
- The plan allocates around £8.4 billion for resurfacing and bridge renewals between 2026 and 2031.
Officials say the investment will lower the need for frequent repairs and improve safety for decades.
What drivers should do now
Commuters and freight operators should factor disruption into journey planning. Recommended actions include:
- Check traffic reports and National Highways updates before travel.
- Allow extra time, especially during morning and evening peaks.
- Consider alternative routes or public transport where possible.
- Stay alert for temporary speed limits and changed lane patterns.
Official voices and safety focus
National Highways representatives described the bridge as heavily used and in need of significant renewal to keep the route safe for future generations. They stressed that safety and keeping traffic moving are top priorities.
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