Motorway used by 75,000 drivers a day will CLOSE in both directions this weekend – check your journey to avoid traffic

A CRUCIAL motorway used by 75,000 drivers every day will close in both directions this weekend.

The mass shutdown - which started earlier this week - is part of a programme of maintenance works which are expected to last as long as six months.

The M5 is a vital artery of the road network, connecting the Midlands with the South West and linking up with other motorways to access London, Wales and Nottingham.

With the completed route is approaching 50 years old, road bosses have ordered a programme of renewal this year.

National Highways is set to carry out "essential repairs" to the concrete layer on which the carriageway sits.

This requires them to strip away the surface layers to access the base before resurfacing afterwards.

Where work is carried out, the road will have to be closed fully in both directions at different times, with diversions put in place where possible.

The repairs began last month and will continue in several rounds across the next six months.

The closures will hit the area around J27, near Willand, Devon.

This week has seen the next phase begin, with the route closed between J26 at Wellington and J28 at Cullumpton.

The affected stretch was shut northbound on Wednesday and Thursday night.

The same part of the road will then shut in the opposite direction on tonight and tomorrow night.

Each time, the closures will last from 8.30pm to 6am the next morning.

Traffic looking to travel at those times will be diverted onto the B3181 and A38 before rejoining the M5 at the next available junction.

A spokesperson for National Highways said: "We understand that road closures are frustrating, but by closing the road and installing a contraflow, we can get this essential repair work done safely and quickly, causing less disruption overall."

"Work will be starting near the central reservation, before moving across the carriageway.

"National Highways has planned the work for after the main summer holiday period, and three lanes will be open in each direction for October half term, to minimise disruption. 

"Weather dependent, the work will finish before Easter 2025."