National Highways is advising drivers to plan ahead and allow more time for their journeys as resurfacing work starts on the M5.

Resurfacing work started last night (September 26) on the southbound carriageway of the Avonmouth Bridge between junctions 18 and 19.

During the work, three lanes will be closed between 10pm and 6am with just one lane remaining open.

Work on the southbound carriageway is expected to continue until October 11, when highways teams will switch focus to resurfacing the northbound side. This will conclude on October 28.

While the overnight work is being carried out, southbound M49 traffic will be diverted via St Brendan's roundabout to join the M5 southbound.

Andrew Gale, National Highways' service manager, said: "We're minimising disruption by carrying out the work overnight when traffic flows are at their lowest, we advise people to add a little extra time for their journeys and thank all drivers in advance for their co-operation and patience."