THE revamped junction 26 of the M5 at Wellington and Chelston Link Road will re-open next weekend – a month ahead of schedule.

The £5.7 million Somerset Council scheme to replace the stretch of deteriorating 51-year-old concrete road is progressing well with the junction, and the A38, welcoming traffic once again from overnight on Saturday, September 6, to Sunday, September 7.

Somerset Council and Highways England said the early completion had come about due to overnight and extended working hours, as well as the use of innovative techniques on the project.

Works will continue during September but will be completed after the closure has been lifted.

Cllr Richard Wilkins, lead member for transport and waste services at the council, said: “We pledged to do everything in our power to keep disruption to a minimum and it is fantastic news that the A38 and motorway junction will reopen well ahead of schedule.

MP Gideon Amos with Cllr Wilkins at the roadworks site

“We appreciate this has been a hugely challenging project to deliver and we are very grateful to local communities, businesses and the travelling public for their patience.

“Thanks also to our project team and contractors Heidelberg Materials for their hard work. I am proud of their efforts to deliver these long overdue improvements much earlier than planned.

“It means the government funding we worked so hard to secure has been put to good use and we can all benefit from a smoother, quieter road surface with improved drainage for years to come.”

Jonathan Hill, National Highways route manager, said: “It’s good to see Somerset Council and their teams deliver this significant road improvement scheme ahead of schedule.

“As the Chelston Link Road scheme necessitated the closure of the Junction 26 slip roads, we’ve worked closely with the council over the last few years during planning for these works to ensure the impact on our roads and our road users was minimised as far as possible. We’re grateful to drivers for their patience during the programme of work.”

READ MORE: M5 junction 26 at Wellington to close for 14 weeks during roadworks

The news has also been welcomed by MP Gideon Amos (Lib Dem, Taunton & Wellington), who said: “I’m glad I’ve been able to make sure the voices of Wellington businesses have been heard.

“Working as a team with my Lib Dem colleagues on Somerset Council we’ve kept the pressure up, ensured the business park remained open throughout the works, and I’m delighted they are finishing ahead of time and on budget.

“I know the workers on the project have kept going night and day to advance the schedule and I’m really grateful to them for all their hard work.

“While reopening ahead of schedule and on budget is good news, I’m disappointed government MPs voted down my amendment in Parliament which would have seen local businesses who lose trade when these projects happen get proper compensation.

“I’m remaining focused on this project until it’s fully completed and have sent information to affected local businesses about how they can apply for discounts in their business rates.

“If any local businesses need this information please contact my office.”