M5 Junction 17 (Cribbs Causeway) improvement work due to start this week

Improvement work on the southbound exit slip road at junction 17 of the M5 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:

“At junction 17, we will be upgrading the signs and lining on the southbound off-slip to allow traffic to move towards the Cribbs Causeway area more swiftly.”

“This will have a positive impact on the M5 in this area as well as supporting growth in the surrounding area.”

Work at junction 17 will start on Thursday 8th January and is expected to be completed by the end of February.

Narrow lanes, lane closures as well as some full closures of the slip road will be required during the work for the safety of road users and the workforce.

More info: M5 Junction 17 Southbound Off-Slip, Bristol (Highways Agency)

Extracts from the Highways Agency project page:

Why is this happening and what will it cost?
The M5 Junction 17 suffers from severe congestion and subsequent delays. Queues can form back onto the M5 Motorway in peak periods resulting in slow traffic past this junction.

The estimated cost is approximately £160k.

How will the scheme be carried out?
Will be be resurfacing the southbound off-slip road and providing new road markings and signs.

What are the benefits?
The scheme improvements will result in better lane usage. The proposals achieve wider benefits in supporting growth in the surrounding area, such as at Filton, Cribbs Causeway and Patchway.