Improvement work on the northbound exit slip road at junction 16 of the M5 (Almondsbury) is due to get under way this week.
The Highways Agency is carrying out the work as part of the Government’s Pinch Point programme, which forms part of the growth initiative outlined during the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement in November 2011.
According to the agency: “Pinch Points provides smaller scale improvements that can deliver big returns by easing congestion and making journey times more reliable for road users as well as helping to boost local economies and drive economic growth.”
Highways Agency Project Sponsor Dave Stock said:
“We are widening the exit slip road at the junction which should reduce congestion and delays, particularly during the rush hour.”
“The scheme will have a positive impact on the M5 in this area as well as supporting growth in the surrounding area such as Filton Airfield and Patchway.”
The scheme is due to start on Monday 12th January and work to widen the slip road is planned to be completed by the end of March.
A Highways Agency spokesperson added:
“We will take the opportunity while working in this area to undertake maintenance work to renew existing traffic signalling equipment at the junction, this is planned to be completed by the middle of April.”
“Narrow lanes, lane closures and as well as some full closures of the slip roads will be required during the works for the safety of road users and our workforce.”
More info: M5 Junction 16 Northbound Off-slip (Highways Agency)
Extracts from the Highways Agency project page:
Why is this happening and what will it cost?
The M5 junction 16 suffers from severe congestion and subsequent delays. This can cause conflict when traffic merges from the slip roads onto the A38.
The estimated cost is approximately £1.6 million.
How will the scheme be carried out?
We are widening the slip road within the existing highway boundary. Work will be carried out to add an additional lane for traffic turning left towards the A38 heading north.
What are the benefits?
The scheme improvements will result in improved flow through the junction with additional capacity for traffic travelling north on the A38. The proposals achieve wider benefits in supporting growth in the surrounding area, such as at Filton Airfield, Patchway and Cribbs Causeway.
The Highways Agency work will run in parallel with South Gloucestershire Council’s (SGC’s) work to widen the roundabout carriageway at junction 16 (due for completion this month) and widen the A38 southbound approach to the junction (due for completion in April).
More info: North Fringe roadworks (SGC)
Improvement work on the southbound exit slip road at junction 17 of the M5 (Cribbs Causeway) is also currently in progress, with a planned completion date of the end of February.
A lot of the congestion in the area would improve at the Aztec West roundabout if people followed the Highway Code and did not stop in the ‘yellow box’! They need re painting! The council could make a fortune fining these selfish people!