M5 Junction 26-27 Concrete Repair

Resurfacing of another concrete section of the M5 to the south of junction 26 (Wellington) began on 13 January 2003 and is scheduled to be complete by Easter, the Highways Agency has announced.

The refurbishment will provide a smoother surface for drivers, reduced noise and is in line with Government targets to replace all concrete surfacing on motorways and strategic trunk roads as part of Transport 2010 - The 10 Year Transport Plan. New safety fencing and drainage will also be installed.

Highways Agency Project Sponsor Alan Britton said:

"The concrete sections of the M5 between Junction 26 and 27 are now reaching the end of their useful life and need replacing.

"Using a method called 'crack and seat', the concrete will be broken and used to form the foundations for the new bitumen surface. Existing materials are therefore recycled and the new surfacing will provide both a smoother surface for drivers and a quieter surface for nearby residents."

"The work is the third instalment of concrete resurfacing in this area and follows on from work last year and in 2001. Further work is planned in 2004 and 2005 which will see all concrete sections of the M5 in this area replaced by quieter surfacing."