England’s most popular motorway to shut in BOTH directions today for vital works – check your journey & diversion routes

DRIVERS have been warned of disruption as England's most popular motorway will shut in both directions today for vital works.

Almost 11 miles of the M5 motorway will be closed across Devon from 9pm until 6am on both Monday and Tuesday night this week.

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Drivers have been warned to allow for extra time on their journeys as the entire route will be shut between Junction 28 for Cullompton and Junction 30 for Exeter during the works.

National Highways South West said last week: "The M5 between J28 and J30 will be closed in both directions for two nights next week.

"We’re carrying out routine inspections of ten bridges and eight sign gantries that span this busy stretch of road.

"To keep road users and our teams safe, the M5 will be closed on Monday 03 March and Tuesday 04 March from 9pm – 6am each night."

Diversion routes have also been put in place for drivers, and the government agency said it was doing the works overnight in order to minimise disruption.

It added: "Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys.

"The works will take place overnight as this is when there is the least amount of traffic using the road.

"The M5 will be open as usual during the day."

For those heading southbound, you will leave the motorway at Junction 28 and take the B3181, Cumberland Way, and Moor Lane in order to rejoin at Junction 30.

For those heading northbound, it is the same route, with traffic leaving the M5 at Junction 30, and taking Moor Lane, Cumberland Way, and the B3181 to rejoin at Junction 28.

National Highways said that the diversion will be "well signed" but that closures could change at "short notice".

The M5 was rated the most popular motorway in the UK in a 2023 survey from the independent watchdog, Transport Focus.

This comes as a major bridge used by thousands of drivers every day is set to close this week.

Engineers have been working on the Tyne Bridge, which links Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead, for nearly a year.

The bridge had been in dire need of a facelift following more than two decades since its last major maintenance.

With the multi-million pound refurbishment well under way, contractors have now completed critical fixes of supporting structures on the eastern side of the crossing.

But they are now preparing to move across to the opposite side of the Grade II listed bridge, which will cause problems for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.

Roadworks on the bridge highway will be moving this week, though traffic will remain restricted to one lane in each direction.

Three full overnight road closures of the Tyne Bridge are planned from 8pm to 6am from March 4 to 6, with pedestrian and cycle access also blocked on March 6.

From Friday, March 7, walkers and cyclists crossing the bridge will have to use the eastern footway.

It is hoped the bridge will have been restored to its former glory in time for its 100th anniversary celebrations in October 2028.

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