National Highways will be trialling new low carbon initiatives as part of a resurfacing scheme across the M5 Huntworth Viaduct near Bridgwater.
The resurfacing work follows similar schemes between junctions 28 and 30 and the M4 in Wiltshire last autumn and winter, and will see low carbon materials and techniques employed by contractors FM Conway, along with the use of electric plant vehicles.
A highly modified binder will be used in the road surface to improve resistance and durability, making CO2 savings by reducing the need for future interventions. 
The scheme will also see the employment of fuel-free plant machinery, including an electric-powered low loader, paving machine, sprayer and site welfare.
The project will be carried out in phases, starting with overnight southbound closures between junctions 24 (Bridgwater) and 25 (Taunton), including the junction 24 entry slip road, from this Sunday, June 14 until Wednesday, July 17.
Further overnight southbound closures will follow between July 19-30 and northbound closures between August 2-6, interspersed with work to replace road markings and studs along the M5.
The resurfacing is part of a significant investment in the M5 in the South West, including:
Steve Aldridge, National Highways Project Manager, said: “We’re changing the way we work to decarbonise 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.”
Further details on National Highways’ low carbon roads can be found at https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-work/environment/carbon/the-future-of-low-carbon-roads/, while full information on the M5 J23-J25 resurfacing scheme, including all overnight and lane closures, along with further details of maintenance schemes in the South West, can be found on the National Highways web page.
During the work, drivers can obtain up-to-the-minute travel information on local radio, the @HighwaysSWEST Twitter feed, logging on to National Highways’ daily closures page, by telephoning the company’s information line on 0300 1235000 or by accessing the Traffic England website.
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