Major infrastructure developments are underway in Somerset with the announcement of a significant new motorway junction to serve the region's emerging electric vehicle battery industry. Infrastructure specialist Costain has been awarded a substantial £100 million contract to design and construct the new access point on the M5 motorway.
Critical Link for Gigafactory Operations
The new junction, designated as Junction 22A, will be strategically positioned between Burnham-on-Sea and Bridgwater. Its primary purpose is to provide what developers describe as "critical" access to the Gravity Smart Campus, an expansive enterprise site located between Puriton and Woolavington. This substantial development area is notably larger than the entire principality of Monaco.
Supporting Major Industrial Investment
At the heart of this development is the £4 billion Agratas gigafactory, owned by the Tata Group. The facility represents one of the UK's most significant industrial investments in recent years and is scheduled to commence operations next year. Initially, the plant will manufacture electric vehicle batteries for Tata Motors and Jaguar Land Rover, both subsidiaries of the Tata Group.
Industry analysts suggest the Somerset facility has the potential capacity to meet up to forty percent of the United Kingdom's domestic electric vehicle battery requirements. This positions the region as a crucial component in the nation's transition toward sustainable transportation solutions.
Transport Infrastructure Enhancement
The new motorway junction will feature north-facing slip roads specifically designed to alleviate congestion on the M5 south of the Huntspill river. This strategic transport improvement will facilitate smoother access for the substantial workforce and supply chain operations serving the gigafactory complex.
Substantial Employment Opportunities
Construction activity at the Gravity site is expected to reach its peak this year, with approximately 2,000 workers anticipated on site. When the Agratas gigafactory initially opens in 2027, around 1,500 permanent positions will be created. As the business expands across the campus, an additional 4,000 roles are projected, representing a substantial boost to local employment prospects in the Somerset region.
Project Delivery and Partnership
Costain has been appointed as the project's delivery integration partner and main works contractor, with responsibilities spanning the complete design and construction of the new junction. Upon completion, the infrastructure will be handed over to National Highways for ongoing management and maintenance.
The company will provide comprehensive infrastructure services including detailed design, engineering solutions, programme delivery management, and supply chain coordination. Global engineering consultancy WSP will support Costain as the designated design partner throughout the five-year project timeline.
Industry Leadership Perspective
Alex Vaughan, Chief Executive of Costain, commented on the significant contract award: "This appointment builds upon our well-established highways delivery expertise and our trusted partner relationship with National Highways. We will collaborate closely with our supply chain partners to design and deliver this essential new junction that will provide vital access to the new gigafactory and help stimulate economic growth in this important region of the UK."
Vaughan further emphasised the project's national significance, stating: "This investment, which supports the UK's strategic growth ambitions, represents another example of Costain's commitment to delivering critical national infrastructure programmes that genuinely improve people's lives and regional economic prospects."
Costain maintains a long-standing partnership with National Highways, having recently completed the construction of 41 emergency areas on the M1 motorway last year. This track record of successful infrastructure delivery positions the company well for this substantial Somerset-based project.
