Residents are being asked for their views on numerous transport schemes which could cut journey times between the M5 and Bristol Airport. Somerset Council and North Somerset Council have been working closely for nearly four years to design a series of improvements to the A38 between the Edithmead roundabout in Highbridge and the South Bristol Link (also known as Colliters Way).
The two councils are currently putting together final business cases for each of the schemes, after receiving funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) in late-2024.
As part of this process, local residents and businesses are being asked to provide feedback to the current designs, allowing them to shape the final workings of each individual project.
Of the ten road improvements included in the ‘major road network’ (MRN) proposals, initially proposed by North Somerset Council and Somerset County Council, four of the schemes fall on the county council (now Somerset Council) side of the boundary.
Many of the chosen stretches or junctions are operating close to their maximum capacity, leading to slower journey times, poor conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, congestion at peak times and a range of road safety issues.
Here’s a breakdown to each of the schemes being proposed:
Upgrading the Edithmead roundabout in Highbridge
The Edithmead roundabout links junction 22 of the M5 to the A38 Bristol Road, providing access to Burnham-on-Sea to the west and Highbridge to the south. Under the plans, the roundabout will be turned into a ‘throughabout’ (similar to the ongoing Dunball upgrade), allowing motorists leaving the M5 to travel northbound quicker.
The entire roundabout will be widened to increase capacity and signalised, with potential improvements to walking and cycling links on all approaches.
Rooksbridge safety improvements
The village of Rooksbridge lies just east of the M5, not far from the busy East Brent roundabout where the A38 meets the A370 to Weston-super-Mare. A road safety scheme is proposed here, which will primarily see road markings improved and new signage to enhance driver awareness and made pedestrians more visible.
Staggering the Cross junction
The Cross junction links the A38 Bridgwater Road to the small village of Cross to the west and Cross Lane to the east, heading to Axbridge, Cheddar and the Mendip Hills. The existing junction will be staggered, with the eastbound arm being moved south and curving around to slow traffic while maintaining access for the existing properties.
Dedicated left- and right-turn lanes will also be implemented on the A38 approaches to further ease traffic flow.
An improved crossing at Shute Shelve
Pedestrians and cyclists using the Strawberry Line active travel route currently have to use a tight staggered crossing over the steep A38 Bridgwater Road at Shute Shelve. The Strawberry Line Society has been pushing for the existing crossing to be replaced with a bridge, arguing it would be a more cost-effective option.
However, the current plans envision a straighter crossing at road level with a wider approach on both sides.
Improvements to the Sidcot section
The village of Sidcot includes the key junction between the A38 Bristol Road and the A371 Sidcot Lane, which provides access to the village and onward travel to Weston-super-Mare via Banwell. The existing pavements will be widened between Sidcot Lane and the Hillyfields junction.
Langford upgrades
A segregated cycle track will be constructed along the length of the A38 New Road between the Churchill Gate crossroads (where it meets the A368) and the junction with the B3133 Langford Road. To achieve this, the existing carriageway will be narrows and the kerbs realignment, with local work also being carried out to improve drainage and cut flooding risk along this section of the route
Airport Terminal roundabout to West Lane
The existing shared used path along this section of the A38 will be upgraded, with a signalised crossing being put in place. The junctions with West Lane and Downside Lane will both be redesigned and signalised, with drainage improvements also being put in place.
Silver Zone roundabout to Airport Terminal roundabout
A shared used path will be constructed between these two roundabout, with the existing carriageway being widened to provide a bus lane on the northbound carriageway. The northbound approach to the terminal roundabout will be redesigned, with a dedicated left-turn lane into the airport and two ahead lanes for northbound traffic. Drainage improvements will also be made to the Silver Zone roundabout
Upgrading theHobbs Lane crossroads
This crossroads links the A38 Bridgwater Road to the B3130 Barrow Lane (leading to Winford) and Hobbs Lane (near Barrow Gurney Cricket Club). A shared-use path will be constructed using the existing highway verge and footway space on the northern side of the A38. A wider uncontrolled crossing will be put in place between this path and Dial Lane, with new signs being put in place to calm traffic
Redesigning the Barrow Street junction
The B3130 Barrow Street provides access to the Barrow Gurney Reservoirs, which provide a substantial proportion of Bristol’s water supply. The existing layout of the northbound side will be revised (focussed on the section near the bus stop) and new traffic signal software will be installed.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s portfolio holder for transport and waste services, said: “Working in partnership with North Somerset Council, we are very hopeful we can get funding from the government to make these improvements.
“Clearly this is a very busy route and road users along with local people would benefit hugely from these improvements. We really want people to take part in the engagement.
“Funding will be tight if we’re successful and we can’t make wholesale changes to the proposals or designs, but people’s input will play an important role in finalising the schemes.”
To take part in the consultation for the Somerset Council schemes, visit www.somersetcouncil.citizenspace.com/highways/a38-improvement-scheme by March 24.
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