Specialist survey work taking place at M5 in Worcester

Routine inspections at junction 8 identified the issues at the location.

To help keep teams safe while the survey work takes place and for the safety of motorists, National Highways has closed lane one and the hard shoulder to prevent any further deterioration to the affected area.

Caption: Survey work taking place on the M5 southbound near Worcester.

Caption: Part of the affected M5 carriageway which is being inspected by specialist surveyors. 

The data obtained from the initial survey work is being analysed by experts who are carrying out further tests in the affected area.

Once the information has been assessed, it will help to shape the repair programme.

National Highways Route Manager, Fiona McKenzie said: “We understand the frustration of motorists who are driving through this part of the M5 and cannot see regular work taking place in the closed section of the motorway.

“However, we’d like to reassure people that the lanes remaining open are safe to use and the lane one and hard shoulder closures are a safety precaution. The ground penetrating survey work is being carried out by specialists and is important because it will help to identify the cause of the issue.

“If we were to go in and carry out some repairs without fully understanding the true reason behind why it has happened, we could end up causing more disruption in future because there is every likelihood that we would need to keep coming back to do further work.

“For now, we’d like to thank drivers for their patience and remind them to leave additional time for their journeys if travelling through the area.”

While work continues at the location, there will be a full closure of the M5 junction 8 southbound exit slip road later this month.

This work will take place overnight on Monday 19 December and Tuesday 20 December, 8pm to 6am when the road is much quieter.

During the closure drivers can follow a fully signed diversion.

Two lanes will remain open on the main M5 carriageway through junction 8 to limit disruption.

For more information head online to https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/west-midlands/west-midlands-maintenance-schemes/.