The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed £26 million in funding for improvements along the A38 corridor, which will be delivered by North Somerset and Somerset Councils.
The funding announcement follows Government approval of the Full Business Case for the A38 Major Road Network (MRN), submitted by the local authorities earlier in the year.
The A38 MRN project seeks to better connect local communities by improving options for getting around. This includes both active and sustainable travel, as well as plans to address road journey reliability times and safety along the A38 corridor.
The project will see vital upgrades to this important transport route at nine locations along the A38 between Barrow Street junction at Barrow Tanks and the Edithmead Roundabout (M5 J22).
Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Highways and Transport, Councillor Richard Wilkins said:
This is great news for Somerset and the wider region; the A38 is a critical transport artery and we have worked hard with colleagues at North Somerset over a number of years to secure the vital Government funding to make these improvements a reality.
This helps to ensure our infrastructure is futureproofed for years to come, with improved connectivity across the region.The work at Edithmead will deliver increased capacity to allow for further economic and residential growth whilst helping to prevent queueing at peak times on the M5.
Elsewhere there are some important safety upgrades.
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, as well as a signalised cycle crossing on the B3140 via the enlarged splitter island
- Rooksbridge: Safety scheme comprising mainly road markings.
- Cross: Creation of a staggered junction arrangement.
- Strawberry Line Crossing: Enhanced visibility measures and upgraded signage.
Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council, said:
I’d like to thank the UK Government for funding these A38 improvements. This comes after years of hard work developing our business cases and we now look forward to moving forward with the work.
The improvements are part of plans to maintain and improve our transport network as the region’s population grows. Not only will the A38 project improve capacity on our roads, making journeys smoother, safer and more reliable, but the project also includes sustainable options for getting around such as the widening of walking and cycling paths and improvements to the existing crossings for the Strawberry Line.
Creating capacity and offering choices when it comes to getting around is key, whether living, working or visiting North Somerset, so it’s important we prepare for the future with scheme like these on the A38 and continue building infrastructure to support transport and access to education, leisure and economic prosperity.
Roads Minister Justin Madders said:
The A38 is a vital route connecting communities across Somerset and the South West, and through this funding, journeys will be more reliable, with less congestion and safer for pedestrians and cyclists through wider paths and new crossings.
By investing in key routes like the A38, the Government is strengthening local transport networks, boosting connectivity and supporting growth across the region.
Contractor Centregreat will carry out the Edithmead work in Somerset 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 scheduled to start in January and ahead of this the team in Somerset will be organising public drop-in sessions for local people to find out more about the scheme.
Details on this will follow in due course.
Proposed schemes in North Somerset
• Barrow Lane/Hobbs Lane to Dial Lane: Upgrade active travel infrastructure (shared-use path) for people cycling and walking between the Barrow Lane / Hobbs Lane and Dial Lane junctions, using existing highway verge and footway space on the northern side of the A38; construct a wider uncontrolled crossing to accommodate all active travel users, to connect between the new shared-use path and Dial Lane for people cycling and walking; and works to improve visibility and safety with introduction of advance warning signage.
• West Lane to Airport Terminal Roundabout: Widen carriageway between the Airport roundabout and West Lane to provide two traffic lanes in each direction; upgrade active travel infrastructure (shared-use path) for people walking and cycling between West Lane and Airport Roundabout; construct signalised crossing on the A38 for people cycling and walking; redesigned A38 junctions with Downside Road and West Lane, with signal control at both locations to enable safer turning movements; and improved drainage.
• Airport Terminal Roundabout to Silver Zone Roundabout: Construct new active travel infrastructure (shared-use path) for people walking and cycling between Airport Roundabout and Silver Zone Roundabout; construct northbound bus lane between Airport Roundabout and Silver Zone Roundabout; 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 to help improve journey reliability times; improve drainage.
• Langford area: Upgrade active travel infrastructure (shared-use path) between B3133 Langford Road junction and A368 Churchill Gate crossroads through kerb realignment and carriageway narrowing; improve drainage.
• Sidcot Lane to Hillyfields junction: Widen existing footway to better accommodate users and improve safety and connectivity.
