National Highways will invest more than £50M on the next phase of “essential” and “extensive” repairs to a road bridge on the M5 in North Somerset.

The work involves concrete repairs to strengthen the bridge foundations and lifting the structure 72 times to replace bearings underneath, that allow for movement.

St George’s Bridge, which carries M5 traffic over a railway line near Junction 21 for Weston-super-Mare, will also see the removal and installation of new bridge sections and parapets, as well as resurfacing and drainage.

National Highways will also improve the northbound entry slip road by adding a second merge lane onto the M5, aiming to help reduce congestion.

The next phase of works will begin in early June and will see void infilling under lanes and some overnight closures, followed by the overbridge joint replacements.

National Highways believes the work will extend the life of the bridge and reduce the risk of unplanned closures for emergency maintenance in the future. It said that by doing this it intends to deliver “a more resilient and more reliable route” for local communities, businesses and freight.

All work will take place while keeping three lanes open in each direction for the 100,000 vehicles that use the bridge every day. Trains will also continue to run below due to complex scaffolding and close working with Network Rail.

Early works have been taking place and the next phases will see the introduction of a contraflow later this year for safety. This will remain in place throughout the length of the main works.

Essential repairs being conducted on St George’s bridge.

The programme of work is part of the government’s £27bn five-year Road Investment Strategy which has allocated £8.4bn for resurfacing carriageways and renewing bridges between 2026 and 2031.

North Somerset Council is currently undertaking junction improvements in the Queensway and B3440, which National Highways stated may add to congestion in the area.

National Highways engineering lead Terry Robinson said: “Many of the motorways and major A roads we manage were built around 60 years ago and need renewing to ensure they remain fit for purpose for generations to come.

“The St George’s bridge is very heavily used and is now in need of significant work, which is vital to keep drivers safe and the route running into the future.”

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