The M5 will be fully closed in Gloucestershire overnight on Saturday to enable the removal of a 40-year old bridge at Michaelwood Services.

The footbridge spanning the southbound and northbound areas of the services has reached the end of its life and was closed to pedestrians in 2018.

A crane will dismantle the bridge in sections and for the work to take place safely, the M5 will be fully closed in both directions between junctions 13 and 14 from 8pm on Saturday until 9am on Sunday with access maintained for emergency services.

Diversions will be in place via the A419 and A38 Bristol Road, and drivers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys while this essential work is carried out.

Adrian Simon, senior project manager for Highways England in the South West, said: “We appreciate the closure will have an effect on journey times, but we are carrying out this essential work overnight to minimise disruption, and we thank all drivers for their co-operation and patience.

“The current bridge was closed in 2018 due to safety concerns and discussions are ongoing regarding building a replacement footbridge.”

Drivers can obtain up-to-the-minute travel information on local radio and Twitter, by phoning the Highways England Information Line on 0300 123 5000 or by accessing the website: www.trafficengland.com