COUNCILLORS have praised workers for the “fantastic job” they have been doing in improving Junction 26 of the M5 motorway and Chelston link road on the outskirts of Wellington – even though it has meant the roads being closed to traffic.

A government-funded Somerset Council highways scheme got underway in June to replace the deteriorating 51-year-old concrete road and motorway junction.

Somerset Council contractor Heidelberg Materials has been refurbishing Junction 26 of the M5 along with the Chelston link road, although an end date has not been confirmed.

Initially there were huge concerns that the works would cause huge traffic disruption for people coming in and out of Wellington and for traders at the Foxmoor Business Park on the link road.

But – according to councillors – those problems do not really seem to have materialised and they have been quick to cautiously congratulate the contractors, although knowing that there is still time for things to go pear-shaped.

Syed Shah, public relations officer for the project, met with members of Wellington Town Council on Monday, August 4, where he told them that he hoped the works would be completed sooner rather than later.

Cllr Ross Henley, speaking to Mr Shah, said: “I think you’re doing a fantastic job. I think – so far, so good! The work needs to be done, but I don’t think it has been anywhere near as bad as people were suggesting so well done to all the project team.”

Cllr John Thorne said: “It’s gone really well so far although access to the Foxmoor Business Park was down over the weekend.”

In May, Somerset Council confirmed that 24-hour access to Foxmoor Business Park would be maintained amid three-month-long works to the M5 Junction 26 roundabout and connecting link road.

Since the works began on June 15, site occupants have reportedly been refused access on a number of occasions, three of which were shared with the park’s management.

Mr Shah explained that that alleged weekend incident was a blip and lasted only a few minutes before vehicles were “convoyed in” to the business park, although he apologised to those affected.

“The businesses are at the forefront of our thoughts while we carry out the work,” he said.

Mr Shah said that work was scheduled to be completed by the end of September, but hinted that it could be “early or the middle” of September.

Cllr Justin Cole said that he had seen one road sign suggesting the work was going to be completed by September 16.

Mr Shah said he had heard about that sign and that it had since been removed as they did not want to put a specific date on the project finishing.

“They are doing brilliantly at what they are doing,” he said. “It’s massive work and will be a big improvement.

“And the reason why the work has been so good is because of the full road closure. It really does make a difference and it helps with safety. The work has been seamless.”