A MOTORWAY is to close on several nights to allow 'essential' work including repairs which may affect drivers coming to and from Worcester.

The overnight closures are on the M5 between junction 3 (Quinton) and junction 4a at Catshill for maintenance including drainage, barrier repairs, litter picking and sweeping.

The M5 southbound will be closed from 9pm to 6am between Monday, November 18 and Friday, November 22.

The northbound carriageway will be shut between Monday, November 25 and Friday, November 29.

This work includes: drainage maintenance; safety barrier repairs; litter picking; sweeping the carriageway; vegetation clearance.

A spokesperson for National Highways said: "Our vegetation clearance will include the removal of trees that have self-seeded and are growing in close proximity to our safety barriers.

"We’ll also remove hazardous trees that are no longer sustainable, or trees that are encroaching onto the carriageway. These trees are located on both sides of the carriageway, south of M5 junction 3 to M5 junction 4a. 

"We’ll keep our vegetation clearance to a minimum and only remove what is essential to maintain the safety of our road users. We will only be removing individual trees, not large sections, and none of these works will impact the screening of properties from the M5."

During this time, there will be no access to Moto Frankley M5 southbound services (during the work to the southbound carriageway) and no access to the northbound services (during the work to the northbound carriageway). 

Any remaining vehicles wishing to leave the services after the closure will be escorted from the premises via gatemen. Emergency vehicles will have access throughout. 

Signposted diversions will be in place.

A National Highways spokesperson said: "We’ll also carefully manage noise levels, however due to the nature of our work there will be some increased noise during this time. When it is safe to do so, we’ll also ensure that beacons on our vehicles are switched off.

"We always aim to work to the programme, however, unforeseen circumstances or adverse weather conditions may mean changes."