Show less£5.4m M5 Safety Barrier Upgrade Underway Near Exeter

A major £5.4 million safety improvement scheme is now underway on the M5 near Exeter, with work having started on 1 May to upgrade vehicle restraint systems along a key stretch of motorway.

The year-long programme covers the section between junction 29 at Sowton and junction 31 at Pearce’s Hill—an important route for traffic heading into Exeter as well as wider journeys across Devon and Cornwall.

National Highways has confirmed that more than 12,000 metres (around 7.5 miles) of safety barriers will be replaced or newly installed across both northbound and southbound carriageways. The work is expected to continue until May 2027.

Overnight working to minimise disruption

The motorway will remain open throughout the project, with the majority of works taking place during overnight lane closures between Sunday and Thursday to reduce disruption.

Lanes are expected to reopen during the day, although temporary safety measures—including barriers and 50mph speed restrictions—may remain in place where necessary to protect both road users and workers.

Improving long-term safety

The scheme forms part of a wider government-backed initiative to improve road safety across the network. Existing barriers along this stretch of the M5 have deteriorated over time and are being replaced, while additional sections will be installed to close gaps in protection.

Alongside the barrier upgrades, the project will also deliver improvements to drainage, road signage and highway technology infrastructure.

Slip road closures planned

Drivers should also be aware of temporary overnight and weekend closures of selected slip roads during the works. National Highways said advance notice will be provided, with clearly signed diversion routes in place.

Motorists using this section of the M5 are being advised to check travel updates and allow extra time for journeys, particularly during overnight construction periods.