Britpave Raises Concerns Over M5 Barrier Replacement Plans

Britpave, the UK infrastructure association, has warned that driver safety on the M5 could be compromised following National Highways’ plans to replace barriers between Bridgwater and Burnham-on-Sea.

National Highways recently announced a £1.1 million project to replace the existing wire rope central reservation with steel beam barriers along this stretch of the motorway as part of a barrier renewal scheme.

However, Britpave has raised concerns that the planned steel barriers do not offer the same level of protection as rigid concrete barriers.

The association highlighted that steel beam barriers are designed to meet containment standards for cars weighing up to 1.5 tonnes—a figure based on vehicle requirements from 20 years ago.

Modern vehicles, particularly heavier petrol and diesel SUVs and electric cars with large battery packs weighing up to 2.2 tonnes, may exceed these limits.

Al McDermid, Britpave chair, said: “The superior strength and safety benefits of concrete barriers are clearly recognised by National Highways. Yet, that recognition is not being applied to the proposed barrier replacement on the M5. Is the safety of drivers on the M5 of less significance than for other motorways?”

Britpave warned that the outdated steel barriers could increase the risk of accidents where vehicles break through the central reservation into oncoming traffic. Other major motorways, including the M1, M4, and M6, have seen steel barriers replaced with concrete barriers after National Highways acknowledged the superior safety of concrete in previous projects.

National Highways has defended its plans, stating that the steel beam barriers to be installed meet current European containment standards and will provide improved safety compared to the life-expired wire rope system they replace.

Marcus Anning, south west asset needs manager, said: “We deploy several different vehicle restraint systems, including steel beam and concrete barriers, along our motorways and major A roads. The new central barrier will provide an improved level of containment to the existing system.”

Work on the M5 barrier replacement and drainage improvements is scheduled throughout November and December, with temporary lane closures expected. The project is due for completion on December 19, with two lanes maintained in both directions during construction.