Wildlife living near junction 21 is being sensitively
moved in preparation for the construction of the Weston Package
road improvements planned for the winter.
Badger and reptile exclusion fencing has been installed along
the southeast and southwest verges of the M5 Junction 21 roundabout
in order to gradually move the wildlife before the work begins.
Natural England granted us a licence to install the
exclusion fencing and this work was promptly undertaken and
completed in advance of the badger breeding season.
The badger breeding season has now started and continues until
the end of June. Immediately after the current breeding season,
one-way badger exclusion gates will be installed so that the
badgers can safely move away from the construction areas and not
return. The exclusion fencing and gates will stay in place until
the construction starts.
Cllr Peter Bryant, executive member with responsibility for
environmental protection said the preservation of wildlife was the
first stage in preparing for the start of construction work.
"Even though work is not due to start until the end of the year,
there has been extensive planning to ensure that the wildlife
living in the area are safely moved and at the most appropriate
time of year. By doing this well in advance, the animals can find a
new home and be well away from the construction site before the
scheme begins."
The Junction 21 improvements include road widening to increase
the capacity of traffic flow at the roundabout, a dedicated lane on
the A370 outbound approach to the roundabout and signals to improve
access to and from the M5 motorway and the A370.
The Weston Package is one of five major transport schemes being
delivered by Travel + and councils across the West of England. The
other schemes are South Bristol Link, Ashton Vale to Temple Meads,
North Fringe to Hengrove and the Bath Package.
