THE Highways Agency will start refurbishing four bridges over the M5 between the Taunton and Tiverton junctions starting on 14 April.

The work will include waterproofing, laying new low noise surfacing, replacing expansion joints, and replacing kerbs.

The majority of the work will affect local roads over the bridges with occasional overnight lane closures on the motorway.

Three of the bridges will be closed during the work as there is insufficient space to work safely and keep them open while traffic is running.

The four bridges and are:

# Upcott Lane Overbridge (Sampford Moor): 14th April-22nd May. Full closure for about six weeks. A diversion route will be signed.

# Culmstock Road Overbridge (Nicholshayne/B3391): 14th April-6th July. Single lane running with traffic signals for 12 weeks.

# Bedbrook Lane Overbridge (Burlescombe): 21st May-30th June. Full closure for about six weeks. A diversion route will be signed.

# Brown Elm Overbridge (Poundisford): 30th June-7th August. Full closure for about weeks. A diversion route will be signed.

Highways Agency project sponsor David Stock said: "The work will allow us to extend the lives of the structures by replacing parts of the bridges which are now nearing the end of their effective lives.

"It will also reduce potential disruption due to unscheduled repairs.

"The bridge closures and lane closures may create delays at peak times for road users and drivers are asked to allow more times for their journeys."