THE 50th anniversary of the opening of the M5 across the Clevedon Hills is fast approaching.

The construction of the M5 was a momentous event which opened up rural Somerset, allowing residents to travel quickly and stress-free.

It also put Somerset on the map for travelling tourists, the rates of which have grown to a staggering amount. According to Somerset Intelligence, Somerset attracts an annual 11.4 million day visitors and 1.8 million overnight visitors from within Great Britain.

A retired Civil Engineer, called Neil Manners, explains the importance the road has to our community: "I was an engineer with Freeman Fox and Partners, who were the Engineers for the M5 between Tewkesbury and East Brent.

"This unique construction through rock and also the Whynol Viaduct was a considerable achievement.

"This particular section is almost unique in the country because it crosses a hill at a very high level and is solid rock on a split carriageway.

"There was lots of different techniques employed, like rock anchors and crib wall, just for this section.

"I've been working on motorways all my life and this is the most outstanding one I know."

The story of the motorway in Somerset

 

Construction commenced on the M5 between Tewkesbury and East Brent after the Severn Bridge and Almondsbury Four Level Interchange were opened in 1966.

The engineers who carried out this work included Freeman Fox and Partners and various contractors.

Following on from this, construction of the M5 between the Avon Bridge and East Brent started in 1970 and was opened to traffic in March 1973.

The section from Avon Bridge to Wynhol Viaduct was constructed by Cementation.

John Laing Group Ltd carried out the work from Wynhol Viaduct to Weston-super-Mare.

Interestingly, the motorway through Tickenham Ridge to the Court Hill Saddle was made out of sandstone and limestone rocks. 

The construction required extensive blasting of the rock, stabilizing of the cutting faces and provision of large retaining walls to the split level carriageways.

Although this section of the M5 was opened to traffic in 1973, the complete opening of all the M5 to East Brent was delayed several years due to bridge strengthening of the Avon Bridge.

To learn more about the M5, how it changed the landscape and its legacy, click HERE.