Work approved to solve junction gridlock

THE government has approved a £15 million scheme to improve traffic at Weston-super-Mare's gridlocked M5 motorway junction.

Local transport minister Norman Baker, right, has given the final go-ahead for the scheme, which means a contractor can be appointed and work can begin.

The Department for Transport has already agreed to spend £10.4 million on the scheme, with the rest coming from North Somerset Council and planning deals with developers.

The improvements include widening the M5 southbound sliproad and A370 approaches, creating an extra lane on the roundabout and installing new computer-controlled traffic lights. Marchfields Way will also be widened and new bus and cycle routes will be created, as well as a new car park and bus interchange at Worle railway station.

For more information, visit www. n-somerset.gov.uk/westonpackage.