Strensham Interchange

For several years, this junction formed a temporary southern terminus of M5

The original trumpet junction layout on the relevant OS One Inch map from 1973.

The Strensham Interchange is junction 8 of the M5, linking to the M50. For the M5, it is a standard roundabout interchange, whilst it is a flat roundabout for the M50, of which it is also the terminus. The southbound exit for Strensham services also feeds into this roundabout, merging with the off-slip from the M5.

History

Temporary roundabout during 1990s widening works

The junction under construction in 1960

The end of the M50 was originally a trumpet interchange, but when the M5 was widened in the area during the 1980s, the junction was changed into a flat roundabout, eliminating the tightness of the trumpet. Aerial photography shows a field immediately to the east of the roundabout that has the shape of the original trumpet interchange.

There were also plans to redesign the junction in the 1970s to allow for the Strensham - Solihull Motorway.

The first proposals in 1970 had three possible designs. The main flows would be the M5 through route and Solihull to M5 south so these movements were given the smoothest lines. The existing bridge carrying the M5 over the trumpet would be retained in all the designs.

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The second proposals in 1972 had two designs. Like the earlier proposals the existing bridge would be retained and the main flows would have high speed connections. The main difference between the two is the preferred layout favours the M5 whereas the alternative has Solihull to M5 south as the main movement.

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Routes

Route	To	Notes
M5	The Midlands, Worcester, Birmingham
M5	The South West, Tewkesbury, Bristol
M50	South Wales, Ross
M50	The Midlands (M42), Birmingham (E & C), Evesham	earlier plans for Strensham - Solihull Motorway
M50	The Midlands (M42), Birmingham (E & C), Redditch, Pershore	later plans for Strensham - Solihull Motorway

Strip Maps

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  Strensham Interchange as it was upon opening in 1962.

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  Strensham Interchange as it was upon in 1964.

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  The current layout of the interchange.

Links

• Roads.org.uk: Bad Junctions

legislation.gov.uk

• The M5 Birmingham-Exeter Motorway (Strensham Junction 8) Connecting Roads Scheme 1990 - Scheme to replace the trumpet junction with a roundabout