M5 Motorway Implements 12mph Speed Limits for Heavy Load Transport on Five Dates
Drivers traveling on the M5 motorway in Gloucestershire are being alerted to significant speed restrictions, with limits dropping to just 12mph on five specific dates. This measure is due to the transportation of abnormal loads, each weighing over 600 tonnes, which will be moving from Sharpness Docks to Brockworth. The slow-moving vehicles are expected to cause major disruptions along key routes, including the B4066, A38, B4509, and the M5 at junction 14 near Falfield.
Dates and Timings for the Abnormal Load Movements
The transport operations are scheduled to occur on Friday, March 27; Saturday, March 28; Sunday, March 29; Monday, March 30; and Thursday, April 2. Each journey will commence at approximately 9:00 AM from Sharpness Docks. The vehicles are projected to reach the A38 junction by 10:00 AM, the junction 14 slip road by 10:45 AM, and proceed northbound on the M5 from around 11:15 AM.
By 12:45 PM, the loads will exit at M5 junction 11A north, continuing along the A417 to the B4641, Delta Way, and Hurricane Road, with an estimated arrival at Brockworth by 2:15 PM. Throughout this route, the vehicles will maintain a maximum speed of 12mph, necessitating lane closures and temporary road adjustments.
Impact on Traffic and Alternative Routes Advised
National Highways has issued a warning for road users to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys. The M5 northbound will be directly affected, with only one lane available from junction 14 to junction 11A during the transport times. Additionally, the A417 between the Air Balloon roundabout and Brockworth will experience disruptions.
Gloucestershire Constabulary will escort the large abnormal loads, which include 300 to 600-tonne electrical transformers. Short road closures will be implemented as vehicles are maneuvered and road furniture is temporarily removed. Traffic will be held at various points along the route, leading to significant delays on the M5 northbound and around junction 11A and the A417.
Motorists are strongly advised to consider alternative routes or adjust their travel times to avoid congestion. Allowing additional time for journeys is crucial to mitigate the expected delays caused by these slow-moving transports.
