Highways England is today starting work to upgrade and replace sections of the drainage systems on the M5 around junction 14 near Falfield in South Gloucestershire - the £3 million scheme is needed to reduce the risk of flooding in the area which could result in lane closures.

Dave Frampton, Highways England project manager for the scheme, said:

“We want to do everything we can to ensure this section of the M5 remains safe and reliable for many years to come and this investment in the drainage system will help us achieve that.”

The scheme, which will continue until March 2016, will require 3 narrow lanes to be put in place during the day on 3 miles of the southbound and northbound carriageway between junctions 14 and 13 and a 50 mph temporary speed limit will be in operation.

The work has been planned to minimise disruption and the vast majority of it will be carried out overnight – however, the Agency is advising road users to allow extra time to complete their journeys.