The M5 between Bridgwater and Taunton will be subject to overnight closures for a whole month from Sunday (June 14) to allow for resurfacing work.

National Highways, which is responsible for managing England’s motorways and major A-roads, will be closing the road overnight to resurface the Huntworth viaduct near Bridgwater, which crosses over the River Parrett, the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal and the Bristol to Exeter railway line.

The first phase of this work will require the closure of the southbound carriageway between junction 24 (Bridgwater South) and junction 25 (Taunton) – including the junction 24 entry slip road – between Sunday, June 14 and Wednesday, July 15.

Additional resurfacing work will be carried out on the southbound site between July 19 and 30, followed by northbound closures between August 2 and 6.

Each phase of this work will see new low-carbon resurfacing techniques trialled, following similar projects carried out last year between junction 28 (Cullompton) and junction 30 (Exeter) and on the M4 in Wiltshire.

Contractor FM Conway will use electric plant vehicles and employ a “highly modified binder… to improve resistance and durability”, reducing CO2 emissions and reducing the need for future interventions.

National Highways project manager Steve Aldridge said: “We’re changing the way we work to de-carbonise construction on our roads, a crucial challenge of helping the UK to thrive as a low carbon economy.

“Together with our supply chain partners we’re taking positive steps towards a more sustainable future, and projects like this in the south west will result in significant carbon savings, improved roads for drivers, and quieter roadworks for our neighbours.”

During these road closures, motorists wishing to travel between Bridgwater and Taunton will have to rely on the A38 via North Petherton and Monkton Heathfield.

Full details of the diversionary routes can be found on the Somerset Council website.