Why is the M5 closing this weekend?
The M5 is trending due to a full closure between junctions 11 and 12 to remove two deteriorating footbridges. National Highways is demolishing the structures to prevent concrete from falling onto the highway, which poses a safety risk to drivers.
What happened
- 11 Oct
The northbound junction 11a exit slip road closes to store equipment [1].
- 16 Oct, 23:00 BST
The M5 closes in both directions between junctions 11 and 12 [1], [2].
- 19 Oct, 06:00 UTC
The motorway is scheduled to reopen [1], [2].
What you need to know
The closure affects the stretch between junction 11 in Cheltenham and junction 12 in Gloucester [2].
High-reach excavators will remove 440 tonnes of concrete and 14 tonnes of steel [2].
Drivers are advised to use official diversion routes instead of sat-navs [1].
The junction 11a exit slip road will likely remain closed for about ten days from October 11 [1].
It is not confirmed exactly when the new replacement bridges will be constructed, though they were originally planned for 2029 [1].
Background
The Grove Court and Uphill Court bridges have been used as pedestrian paths for 64 years [2].
Winter freeze-thaw cycles caused the concrete to crack and deteriorate faster than expected [1].
Both footbridges have been closed to the public since March for safety reasons [2].
Questions people ask
Which junctions are affected?
The motorway is closed in both directions between junction 11 and junction 12 [1].
Why can't the work be done without a full closure?
The bridges are in a state where concrete could fall onto traffic traveling at 70mph [1].
Where this came from
Found through Google Trends and drafted with AI from at least two cited sources. Published automatically after passing our automated checks for sources, wording and safety. It may not have been reviewed by a person yet. Report a correction.