There is frustration in store for Herefordshire drivers who use the M5 motorway,

A stretch is set to be hit by year-long roadworks and 50mph speed limits.

National Highways today confirmed that the roadworks will be between junction 6 (Worcester North) and junction 7 (Worcester South), starting from February 21, 2022.

The work involves the replacement of a new concrete barrier that will run for four-and-a-half miles, replacing the existing steel restraint that has been in place for more than 20 years.

Concrete barriers are designed to stop traffic from crossing over into oncoming vehicles travelling in the opposite direction in the event of an crash.

Colin Jackson, National Highways project manager, said: “This £15m safety upgrade is an integral part of keeping people safe on the M5.

“We know that the high-impact absorption design of concrete barriers significantly reduces the risk of vehicles colliding with traffic travelling on the opposite side of the road.

“By replacing the existing steel restraint in the central reservation we’re also able to reduce the need for ongoing maintenance to keep it safe, which means fewer roadworks in the location for routine maintenance.”

The works are part of a £15m safety upgrade to the central reservation and will require a temporary speed limit of 50mph.

During the work, National Highways will also be carrying out repairs to lighting and drainage on the road.

To reduce disruption to drivers, most of the work will be carried out on the road using narrow lanes, ensuring the motorway remains open to drivers with three lanes of running traffic.

To install the narrow lanes, there will be a series of overnight closures between junction 5 and junction 8.

These will be in place as follows;

  • M5 northbound, junction 7 entry and exit slip closed overnight on 21 February, 22 February and 23 February, 8pm to 6am.
  • M5 northbound, junction 6 entry and exit slip closed overnight on 24 February, 25 February, 26 February and 27 February, 8pm to 6am.
  • M5 northbound, junction 8 to junction 5 closed overnight on 5 March and 6 March, 8pm to 6am.
  • M5 southbound, junction 6 entry and exit slip closed overnight on 28 February, 1 March, 2 March, 3 March and 4 March, 8pm to 6am.
  • M5 southbound, junction 7 entry and exit slip closed overnight on 7 March and 8 March, 8pm to 6am.
  • M5 southbound, junction 5 to junction 8 closed overnight on 12 March and 13 March, 8pm to 6am.

During full closures of the M5 and slip-road closures, a fully signed diversion route will be established by National Highways.