A revamp of the Edithmead M5 Junction 22 roundabout is among key A38 works set to move forward next year following a decision by the Council’s Executive Committee.
Improvements to the A38, between Burnham-on-Sea and Barrow Gurney – a joint project with North Somerset Council – were given the thumbs-up by Government last year, subject to a Final Business Case, which was submitted jointly in June 2026.
The route is part of the country’s Major Road Network and has extra importance as the major route that links the road network to the region’s airport. Each authority is handling procurement and delivery in its own area.
This week (Wednesday 2 September), Somerset Council’s Executive approved funding and contract arrangements.
The budget for the scheme is just under £18.8 million; £9 million comes from Government, pending approval of a final business case from the Department for Transport; Executive this week approved the allocation of £7.34 million which includes Local Transport Grant funding and underspend from previous major schemes. Some funding also comes from developer contributions.
The detailed breakdown is available in the committee papers.
Key proposed A38 schemes in Somerset Council area
• Edithmead Roundabout near J22 M5: Creation of thoughabout traffic signals where the heaviest traffic flow is routed through the centre of the roundabout to improve capacity and ensure queueing does not go back onto the M5. A signalised cycle crossing on the B3140 via the enlarged splitter island is also included.
• Rooksbridge: Safety scheme comprising mainly road markings.
• Cross: Creation of a staggered junction arrangement.
• Strawberry Line Crossing: Enhanced visibility measures and upgraded signage.
Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Highways and Transport, Councillor Richard Wilkins said:
We have worked hard to lobby Government to support these vital improvements which include more capacity on the Edithmead roundabout to cope with future economic and residential growth, and some safety improvements at key junctions on the route.
This week’s Executive approval will help ensure work can start as early as possible next year pending final approval from Government, with contract arrangements now in place.
Contractor Centregreat will carry out the Edithmead work which was procured as part of their contract for the recent Dunball J23 scheme, while the other improvements are being done by Somerset’s existing infrastructure partner Octavius, currently in contract with the Council and delivering schemes across the county.
Work is expected to start in the first quarter of 2027 pending award of funding from Government.
Somerset Council has worked in partnership with North Somerset Council (NSC) to secure external funding for the improvement schemes on a stretch of the A38 which runs from the Edithmead Roundabout at Junction 22 of the M5 to the South Bristol Link (Colliters Way).
Many junctions along the route are operating close to capacity leading to varying travel speeds, poor conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, unreliable journey times and congestion at peak times, along with potential road safety issues.
The key aims of the project are to better connect communities with improved walking and cycling provision, improve safety and journey times on the A38, provide better access to public transport and support the regional economy, as well as enabling housing delivery.
