Introduction
Somerset Council’s Major Projects Team is delivering a scheme to upgrade the Dunball Roundabout in Bridgwater. This is the busy intersection of the A38/A39 to the north of the town and serves as the link road to Junction 23 of the M5.
The project will see the roundabout layout improved to increase capacity and traffic flow at peak times, reducing congestion in the long term. There will also be better walking and cycling facilities.
Contractor, Centregreat was chosen after a tendering process. The total value of the project and associated active travel schemes is £10.7 million. It is wholly funded by ring-fenced Government and partner funding, as well as developer contributions. The condition of this funding is that it must be used to deliver the Dunball scheme on a previously agreed time scale.
Key facts
Work on the Dunball scheme started on 11 November 2024 and is due to complete autumn 2025.
This project aims to improve capacity and traffic flow at this important junction which links with the M5 and Gravity Smart Campus, by introducing traffic signals and a ‘throughabout’ lane which allows traffic to flow through the middle of it. This will help to prevent queuing back onto the motorway junction and slip road. Additionally, the scheme will enhance walking and cycling access as part of its commitment to active travel and improved links into Bridgwater.
The scheme contributes to the creation of a complete walking, cycling, and wheeling route between the centre of Bridgwater and the Gravity site along the A38 corridor. Most of this Active Travel corridor has already been completed.
Essential travel information
The team is now in the final stages of the project with road resurfacing set to take place from 15 September, followed by traffic signals installation.
There will need to be evening and overnight closures around the Dunball roundabout area to enable these final works to be done.
People are advised to plan ahead during these times, allow extra time for journeys and try to avoid the Dunball roundabout between 7.30pm and 5am.
The key times are:
• A38 northbound towards Dunball from Bridgwater is closed 11pm to 5am (no access to roundabout in this direction): Monday 15 September to Tuesday 16 September, Thursday 25 September, Monday 29 September, Tuesday 30 September and Monday 6 October.
• A38 southbound towards Bridgwater closed 11pm to 5am (no access to Bridgwater from the Dunball roundabout): Wednesday 24 September and Friday 3 October.
• A39 towards M5 closed (no access to motorway from this direction – access as normal from the Glastonbury direction), 7.30pm to 5am: Thursday 18 September and Thursday 2 October.
• East side of Dunball roundabout closed 7.30pm to 5am (access to A39/M5 will be available but it will not be possible to travel around the roundabout on its eastern side): Wednesday 17 September, Friday 26 September and Wednesday 1 October.
These timings are subject to weather conditions and any other unforeseen circumstances. The programme and any changes will be shared on Travel Somerset social media and this webpage. Diversions will be in place using A39 Bath Road and Puriton Hill.
In addition to a contribution from the Government, the project has been funded jointly by developer contributions, the Heart of the Southwest Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), National Highways, and Bridgwater Town Deal. The team will be regularly updating the public on progress throughout the duration of the project.
You can download plans for the Dunball Roundabout Improvement Scheme in the Downloads section below.
