Safety first in removal of 'deteriorating' bridges

Two deteriorating motorway footbridges are due to be demolished for safety reasons, National Highways has said.

The M5 will be closed in both directions between junctions 11 and 12 from 23:00 BST on Friday until 06:00 on Monday so the Grove Court and Uphill Court bridges can be removed.

Terry Robinson, south west engineering lead for National Highways, said the bridges needed to be "removed now for public safety", adding "[The bridges] won't go another winter without serious deterioration."

The M5 northbound junction 11a exit slip road is currently closed for storage of equipment and plant vehicles allowing for faster access and ensuring the road closure does not have to be extended.

Robinson said freeze thawing during the winter - when water fills into the gaps and freezes - has led to cracked edges on the bridges causing damage which could lead to "bits of concrete that could actually drop off the edge of the bridge onto the carriageway".

"That dropping onto a live carriageway with traffic travelling at 70mph is a real safety risk for us," he said.

Robinson said the bridges, which have been in place for more than 60 years, had deteriorated quicker than anticipated.

He added they are in the programme for replacement in 2029, however National Highways hopes to replace them much sooner.

The slip road has been closed since 11 October and is expected to remain so for about ten more days.

Robinson said the equipment could not be stored anywhere else without extending the M5 closure, as it would take longer to access.

Ahead of the motorway closure, National Highways has urged drivers to allow extra time for journeys and follow diversion routes rather than relying on sat-navs.

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