M5 Junction 26 Scheme Earns Double Industry Success with National and International Awards

A flagship highways project in Somerset has received two major industry accolades in the space of a week, with the M5 Junction 26 Chelston Link Project recognised for its innovation, collaboration and delivery excellence against competition from some of the world's largest infrastructure schemes.

A major road improvement scheme in Somerset has been recognised on both the national and international stage after securing two prestigious industry awards for excellence in infrastructure delivery.

The M5 Junction 26 Chelston Link Project, delivered by Somerset Council's Infrastructure Programmes Group (IPG) alongside delivery partners AECOM and Heidelberg Materials, claimed the Project Excellence and Innovation Award at the NEC Contracts Annual Awards 2026.

The accolade recognises outstanding performance in project delivery, innovation and collaborative working, with the Somerset scheme selected ahead of a strong international field of finalists.

Among the projects competing for the title were Hong Kong's £5 billion Trunk Road T4 programme, which finished in second place, and HMP Millsike, the UK's first all-electric prison development, which secured third.

Judges praised projects that demonstrated excellence in partnership working, innovative thinking and successful delivery, highlighting those that create lasting value for communities while overcoming complex engineering and delivery challenges.

The recognition came just 24 hours after Somerset Council's Infrastructure Programmes Group received further honours at the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) Awards 2026, where the team was highly commended in the Team of the Year category.

The award acknowledged the group's wider contribution to infrastructure delivery, recognising its leadership, collaborative culture and consistent performance across a growing portfolio of major transport projects.

Since being established in 2015, Somerset Council's Infrastructure Programmes Group has overseen the delivery of more than £110 million of strategically important highway infrastructure across the county.

During that period, the team has developed a reputation for delivering technically complex schemes through strong governance, close collaboration with industry partners and a focus on safety, efficiency and value for money.

The M5 Junction 26 Chelston Link Project has become one of the programme's flagship schemes, showcasing how modern approaches to design, construction and partnership working can improve connectivity while supporting economic development and delivering environmental benefits.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council's Lead Member for Highways and Transport, described the double recognition as an outstanding achievement for everyone involved in the project.

He said receiving honours at two major industry awards within the same week reflected the expertise, commitment and collaborative approach demonstrated by the council's Infrastructure Programmes Group and its delivery partners.

Wilkins added that winning the NEC Contracts award against internationally recognised infrastructure schemes highlighted Somerset's ability to deliver projects that compete with some of the best examples of infrastructure delivery around the world.

He also said the Chelston Link Project illustrates the benefits that can be achieved when local authorities and private sector partners work together with a shared commitment to innovation and delivering positive outcomes for local communities.

The latest awards add to an already impressive list of accolades for the scheme.

Earlier this year, the project was shortlisted for the Best Highways Decarbonisation Award at the Decarbonising Transport Awards 2026, recognising its contribution to reducing carbon emissions and embedding more sustainable construction practices.

It also received commendation in the Innovation Award category at the CIHT South West Awards 2026, further underlining its reputation as an example of best practice in modern highways delivery.

With recognition now spanning regional, national and international competitions, the M5 Junction 26 Chelston Link Project has established itself as one of the UK's most highly regarded recent highway infrastructure schemes, demonstrating how innovation, collaboration and sustainability can combine to deliver lasting benefits for both communities and the wider transport network.