M5 junction 8 carriageway repair scheme
As part of routine inspections, we identified some deterioration on the southbound M5 carriageway. We’re now carrying out extensive ground repair work to ensure the road remains safe for motorists for years to come.
Latest updates
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07 December 2023
An update on our programme of work: January 2024
As part of routine inspections, we identified some deterioration on the M5 carriageway and at the side of the road. For the safety of motorists, and to help keep teams safe, we closed lane one and the hard shoulder on the southbound carriageway between the junction 8 exit and entry slip roads.
We’ve carried out a number of tests and surveys and analysis of the results has shown that part of the ground underneath the M5 has degraded. Comprehensive strengthening works are now required to restabilise the affected area which is between the main southbound carriageway and M5 junction 8 southbound exit slip road.
A new retaining wall will be built alongside the slip road, and part of the existing slope replaced with an improved, higher performance material to stabilise the embankment.
To give our teams a safe working space to carry out the repair work, we need to amend the current traffic management layout to install two narrow lanes on the southbound main carriageway and exit slip road. We’ll install a 50mph temporary speed limit on the M5 through junction 8 and a 40mph temporary speed limit on the southbound exit slip road to the M50.
To enable this change we’ll be closing the M5 southbound overnight between junctions 7 and 9, Monday to Friday, between 8 January and 19 January. We’ll also close the M50 eastbound from junction 1 to install traffic management, temporary CCTV and speed enforcement cameras at the M5 junction 8 interchange. The M5 northbound exit at junction 8 will also be closed.
Before closures are in place, we’ll monitor traffic levels and we’ll aim to have the road fully closed by 9pm, reopening at 6am each day.
A fully signed diversion route will be in place between junctions 7 and 11 of the M5. We’re also planning to carry out other maintenance activities to maximise the use of the closure and minimise further disruption.
Additional overnight closures of junction 8 between the exit and entry slip roads will be in place from Monday 29 January to Friday 2 February 2024 to allow us to remove the road surface on the hard shoulder and lane one of the carriageway. We’ll provide more information closer to the time once details have been confirmed.
We aim to complete the repair work by summer 2024. We’d encourage drivers to plan ahead and allow additional time for their journeys when travelling through the area.
We apologise in advance for any inconvenience or disruption to those living close to the work. Our teams will make every effort to carefully manage noise levels and additional lighting to minimise the impact.
Please note, our planned work may be subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.
Project information
We'll be carrying out extensive ground repair work on the embankment between the southbound carriageway and junction 8 exit slip road.
The work involves:
- raising the ground level between the carriageway and slip road
- building a retaining wall alongside the exit slip road
- reconstructing the main M5 carriageway and exit slip road
This repair work will ensure the road remains safe to motorists for years to come. By carrying out this work now, future requirements for closures for routine repairs will be greatly reduced.
It forms part of our ongoing work to improve safety, maintain traffic flow and offer road user assurance.
Documents
Traffic information
Information about scheduled roadworks and events on our motorways and major roads.X
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