RESURFACING work on the motorway south of Wellington begins on Monday.

Replacing the M5's original concrete road surface between junctions 26 and 27 with bitumen is expected to take nine weeks and cost £3.2 million.

As well as providing a smoother road and quieter ride for drivers, the Highways Agency is installing new safety fencing and drainage.

Project sponsor Phil Hardy-Bishop said: "The concrete surface of the M5 has been in place since the motorway was constructed and has now reached the end of its useful life.

"The work is the fifth instalment of concrete resurfacing work in this area and follows on from work near Willand last year."

Traffic management during the roadworks will include various lane closures, contraflow systems and temporary narrowing of lanes, together with a 50mph speed limit and full breakdown recovery service.