Improvement works planned for one of the county’s major transport arteries have taken an important step forward following the submission of the Full Business Case for the A38 Major Road Network project to the Department for Transport (DfT).
Developed and delivered in partnership with North Somerset Council, the A38 Major Road Network looks to better connect communities by improving options for getting around – including by active and sustainable travel – whilst also addressing journey reliability times and road safety.
The project includes works at 9 locations along the A38 running between Barrow Street junction at Barrow Tanks and the Edithmead Roundabout (M5 J22). Each upgrade is carefully designed to complement one another, future proofing the A38 to tackle the pressures that come with economic and population growth.
The DfT will now look at the final proposals and take a decision on the approval of funds needed to build the project.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Highways and Transport said:
This is a huge step forward for this project, thanks to the fantastic work of our team here and our partners at North Somerset Council.
This is a key route for our region – the scheme will bring a much needed increase in vehicle capacity for the Edithmead roundabout, which will help prevent queuing at peak times, as well as improved access for pedestrians and cyclists at locations in communities along the A38.
Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council, said:
The A38 is vital route that connects our communities to Bristol, Somerset and beyond, so it’s great to have submitted our Full Business Case to offer the route some much needed upgrades.
These are critical for transport in the region now and in the future. Not only will the A38 project improve road capacity, making journeys smoother, safer and more reliable, but it also includes options for sustainable shorter journeys and leisure, such as through widening of walking and cycling paths and new crossings for the Strawberry Line.
As we wait to hear from the DfT, I’d like to thank our partners at Somerset Council for all their help and collaboration as we worked together to prepare the Full Business Case. Across our neighbouring authority areas, it’s important we the build infrastructure that can support smooth transport and joint access to education, leisure and economic prosperity.
