A NEW temporary road layout on the M5 southbound in Worcestershire near junction 8 is being introduced after specialist teams identified the cause of carriageway deterioration.
Extensive survey work has been taking place over recent weeks to assess the problem, which is impacting the side of the M5, the hard shoulder and lane one.
Specialist analysis of the results has shown part of the ground underneath the M5 has degraded.
Comprehensive strengthening works are now required to restabilise the affected area and to keep this part of the M5 safe.
National Highways programme development manager, Ian Doust said: “The survey work also meant we could investigate what was happening underneath the ground and in some respects, it’s not too different from inspecting the floorboards at home.
“You need to remove parts of the carpet to see what’s underneath and that is what we have been doing with the core sampling surveys.
“We’re also doing more of this work in the coming weeks and we will be digging even further into the ground to gather additional data. This will be used to help shape our permanent repair programme.”
National Highways is now planning the repair works to ensure disruption can be kept to a minimum while it takes place.
As a temporary measure to help traffic flow more smoothly, National Highways is changing the layout of the M5 southbound near the affected area from Wednesday (March 29).
This means lane one on the approach to Strensham Services will become a dedicated lane for those wishing to leave the motorway for the services or to access the M50.
The new road layout means there will be fewer instances of vehicles changing lanes to access the motorway services which is causing stop-start traffic.
Mr Doust added: “We know the M5 is a popular route for holidaymakers heading down to Somerset and Cornwall and that is why we are planning to start the permanent repair work in autumn when the road is not as busy.
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