Advance works are taking place from Monday 19 January at the M5 J22 Edithmead roundabout ahead of a major improvements scheme later in the year.
Funding for improvements to the A38 between Burnham-on-Sea and Barrow Gurney – a joint project with North Somerset Council (NSC) – was given the green light by Government last year, subject to a Final Business Case which is being submitted in the summer.
Before any work can begin, there are a significant number of trees and vegetation which need to be cleared from the site. There will be a landscaping package at the conclusion of the project to ensure as much vegetation as possible is replaced around the new road layout.
Work is due to start on Monday 19 January and run until late March. There will need to be some lane closures and traffic management in place at different times during this period.
Somerset Council has worked in partnership with 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’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste Services, Councillor Richard Wilkins, said:
It’s good to see this important work go ahead, we have lobbied hard to secure the money to improve a busy and vital stretch of the A38 in Somerset.
We understand people may be concerned about the clearance – rest assured there will be a full landscaping package for greenery after the project has concluded.
Key proposed A38 schemes in the Somerset Council area include:
- 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.
