M5 Junction 28 To 29 Closure

So, the M5 between Junction 28 and 29 is closing. Yes, that stretch of tarmac we all love to hate. It’s happening, and it’s going to be a proper headache.

Let’s be real: the M5 is never a joyride. But this closure? It’s like someone decided to remove the one lane you actually rely on.

What’s the big deal?

National Highways is shutting it down for some serious work. They’re resurfacing, fixing drainage, and upgrading barriers. Boring but necessary stuff.

Think of it like your car needing new tires. Annoying, but you’d rather not skid into a ditch.

The closure runs from Friday night to Monday morning. That’s a whole weekend of detours and deep sighs.

The dates you need to know

It’s happening from 9 PM on Friday, 19th September, until 6 AM on Monday, 22nd September. Mark your calendar. Set an alarm. Tell your mum.

Both carriageways will be shut. Yes, both. So no sneaky shortcuts.

If you’re thinking, “Oh, I’ll just wing it,” don’t. You’ll end up in a farmer’s field, crying over a lost GPS signal.

The detour (and it’s a doozy)

Officially, they’re sending drivers via the A30 and A38. That’s a 14-mile diversion. Fourteen. Miles.

To be clear: that’s not a quick hop. That’s a full-blown “pack snacks and a podcast” situation.

You’ll be crawling through Cullompton and Exeter. Lovely places, but not when you’re late for dinner.

Why should you care?

Because this is the M5. It’s the artery of the South West. Without it, everything slows down.

Supply trucks will be delayed. Tourists will be grumpy. Your auntie in Tiverton might not get her Sunday roast delivered.

And if you drive a van for work? Ha. Good luck explaining to your boss why you’re two hours late.

M5 closure causes delays across TWO counties - Somerset Live

The silver lining (yes, there is one)

Okay, fine, it’s not all doom. The works will finally fix those bumpy patches near Junction 28.

You know the ones. The spots where your car vibrates so hard your coffee cup does a little dance.

After this closure, that stretch will be smooth as butter. No more rattling teeth. No more spilled lattes.

Think of this weekend as a sacrifice. A painful, detour-filled sacrifice. But for a greater good.

What about the locals?

If you live near the junction, you’ve got a different problem. Local roads will become a parking lot.

Every Tom, Dick, and Harry with a sat-nav will try to rat-run through your village. Sorry in advance.

Residents have been warned. But warnings don’t stop the 4 PM swarm of lost holidaymakers.

How to survive this mess

First, avoid the area entirely if you can. Work from home. Visit your nan. Binge-watch a new show.

If you must drive, leave early. Like, really early. Bring snacks. Charge your phone.

Set your sat-nav to “avoid motorways.” It’ll send you down scary country lanes, but you’ll move.

And for the love of all that is holy, do not rely on Google Maps. It will lie to you.

M5 closed in both directions after police incident between Junctions 28

The comedic relief

Let’s be honest: this closure is a perfect excuse to cancel plans. “Sorry, I can’t make it. The M5 is closed.”

Use it wisely. “Sorry, I can’t come to your spin class. The detour is 14 miles.”

You’ve got 60 hours of closure. That’s 60 hours of memes about traffic jams.

Post a photo of your car idling. Caption it: “This is my life now.” We’ll all relate.

The final word

Friday night to Monday morning. 28 to 29. Both ways. No exceptions.

It’s going to be annoying. It’s going to be inconvenient. But it’s only a weekend.

Take a deep breath. Pack your patience. And remember: you are not the only one sitting in a queue.

Have a drink, listen to a podcast, and let the highway repair people do their thing. They’re working hard so you don’t hit a pothole later.

And hey, if all else fails, just pretend you’re on a very slow, very frustrating road trip. You might not get to Cornwall, but you’ll have a story to tell.

Stay safe. Don’t honk at the cones. And for pity’s sake, don’t try to reverse on the hard shoulder.

We’ll get through this. Probably. Eventually.