Funding for major transport schemes in the County was announced by Government this week as part of a package of national road and rail investment.
Improvements to the A38 between Burnham-on-Sea and Barrow Gurney – a joint project with North Somerset Council – has been given the green light, subject to a Final Business Case, along with a new train station in Wellington.
The Council has worked in partnership with North Somerset Council (NSC) to secure external funding for a series of 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.
Somerset Council has long supported and helped to lobby for the provision of a new train station at Wellington which will greatly improve transport links in the county and give travellers more choice.
Funding has also been confirmed for accessibility improvements at both Yeovil and Castle Cary train stations.
Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste Services, Councillor Richard Wilkins welcomed the announcement:
It’s great to get this confirmation of funding, we have lobbied hard to secure the money to improve a busy and vital stretch of the A38 in Somerset.
We look forward to working with the Department For Transport on understanding the next steps.
It is also fantastic news that the rail operator can move ahead with plans for a new train station at Wellington – we know how crucial this is in terms of rail connectivity which supports economic development, as well as giving people more choice.
We are grateful to Government for recognising the need for investment in Somerset’s transport network.
Key proposed A38 schemes in Somerset Council area
- Edithmead Roundabout near J22 M5: Creation of a through-about option with signalisation of all arms of the roundabout.
- Rooksbridge: Safety scheme comprising mainly road markings.
- Cross: Creation of a staggered junction design at Cross which has been discussed with relevant landowners.
- Strawberry Line Crossing: An improved crossing of the A38 at Shute Shelve.
- Sustainable travel: Improvements to bus stops and pedestrian/cycling facilities at various locations.
Key proposed schemes in North Somerset
- Barrow Street junction: Revise existing layout of the northbound bus stop layby. Install MOVA traffic signal software.
- Barrow Lane/Hobbs Lane to Dial Lane: Construct the shared-use path using existing highway verge and footway space on the northern side of the A38. Construct a wider uncontrolled crossing between the shared-use path and Dial Lane. Complete works to improve visibility and safety at Barrow Lane junction. Introduce advance warning signage.
- West Lane to Airport Terminal Roundabout: Upgrade the shared-use path between West Lane and Airport Roundabout. Construct signalised crossing on the A38. Redesign A38 junctions with Downside Road and West Lane with signal control at both locations. Improve drainage to address existing issues by West Lane junction.
- Airport Terminal Roundabout to Silver Zone Roundabout: Construct a shared-use path between Airport Roundabout and Silver Zone Roundabout. Widen carriageway between the Airport roundabout and West Lane to provide a bus lane in the northbound direction. Re-design northbound approach to the Airport Terminal roundabout to provide a dedicated left-turn lane into the airport and two ahead lanes for northbound traffic; Improve drainage to address existing issues at Silver Zone roundabout.
- Redhill area.
- Langford area: Construct segregated cycle track between B3133 Langford Road junction and A368 Churchill Gate crossroads through kerb realignment and carriageway narrowing. Carry out works to upgrade drainage to tackle identified flooding issues and blocked watercourses.
- Star to Sidcot: Widen existing footway.
