M5 Closures and Delays in Somerset: Check J25–J26 Before You Travel | Nov. 12

Verified and updated: November 12, 2026, at 5:10 p.m. UTC (GMT; Somerset).

Drivers using the M5 near Taunton should check their junction and direction before travelling: National Highways lists overnight closures between junctions 25 and 26, including closures in both directions through November 13. During the day, the same stretch is reduced to two lanes in each direction with a 50 mph limit. The closures can add time to a journey and may require drivers to follow a signed diversion via the A38 between Wellington and Taunton.

These are planned works, and National Highways says schedules can change at short notice. Check its live updates immediately before departure, especially for an overnight trip. Follow temporary road signs during a closure; the agency specifically advises drivers to follow signed diversions rather than sat-nav directions.

Destaques

• Overnight closures are scheduled on the M5 between junctions 25 and 26 near Taunton.
• National Highways lists closures in both directions from November 10 through November 13, generally 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Outside full closures, expect two lanes in each direction and a 50 mph speed limit on this section.
• During full closures, the signed diversion uses the A38 between Wellington and Taunton.

Which part of the M5 is affected in Somerset?

The main ongoing scheme highlighted by National Highways is a central safety-barrier replacement between junctions 25 and 26, near Taunton. The agency says the existing barrier has reached the end of its service life. The project began November 2, 2026, and is planned to run until the end of July 2027.

From November 2026 to March 2027, lane three is closed on both carriageways, leaving two lanes in each direction with a 50 mph limit. National Highways says the layout is due to change from March to July 2027, when three narrow lanes will operate in each direction, still under a 50 mph limit. That is the published plan, not a guarantee that conditions or dates will remain unchanged.

When is the M5 closed near Taunton?

At the time checked, National Highways’ scheme page listed full overnight closures in both directions between junctions 25 and 26 for November 10–13, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. It also listed a two-way closure for November 16 and a northbound closure between junctions 26 and 25 on November 17, also from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Check the National Highways M5 schemes page for the current schedule because these dates may be amended.

Do not assume that every part of the M5 in Somerset is closed when this section shuts. The published closure concerns the stretch between junctions 25 and 26. Check your entry and exit junctions, direction of travel, and the live route update to see whether the closure affects your journey.

How can you check M5 traffic before travelling?

1. Open National Highways live travel updates for current incidents, delays and closures on its network.
2. Check the M5 schemes page for planned work and the junction 25–26 schedule.
3. Check GOV.UK’s traffic information guidance, which links to live information and the roadworks database for motorways and major A-roads in England.
4. For local Somerset updates, review the Somerset Council roadworks and travel page. Its listings can help identify nearby road restrictions, but the listed update time matters: a notice may not be a live snapshot.

Repeat the check close to departure. If a full closure is active, allow extra time and follow the signed diversion via the A38 between Wellington and Taunton. Avoid treating an app’s suggested shortcut as an official diversion: temporary restrictions and local conditions may make an alternative route unsuitable.

What could the works mean for your journey?

Confirmed: the two-lane, 50 mph arrangement reduces available road space between junctions 25 and 26, and full overnight closures are scheduled on specified dates. This can mean slower progress or a detour for drivers passing through the work zone during those periods. National Highways does not publish a guaranteed extra journey time on the scheme page, so allow a buffer rather than relying on a precise delay estimate.

What remains uncertain: actual queues depend on traffic volumes, incidents, weather and any schedule changes. A closure listed in advance is not proof that it is still in force at the time you travel; live updates are the better check for current conditions. If your trip is time-sensitive, check again before leaving and once more at a safe stopping place if plans change.

Frequently asked questions

Is the M5 closed near Taunton today?

National Highways lists overnight closures between junctions 25 and 26 through November 13. Check its live updates for the status at your travel time.

What is the diversion for the M5 closure?

National Highways says signed diversions will use the A38 between Wellington and Taunton during full closures. Follow the road signs.

What speed limit applies between junctions 25 and 26?

The published scheme uses a 50 mph limit. Check roadside signs and current updates for the conditions in force.