SOMERSET Council has drawn up a list of proposals to make the A38 in Somerset more efficient and safer for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

The council is working in partnership with North Somerset Council to secure government funding for a series of improvement schemes on the A38, from the Edithmead Roundabout at junction 22 of the M5 to the South Bristol Link.

Many junctions along the route are operating close to capacity leading to varying travel speeds, unreliable journey times, congestion at peak times and road safety issues.

The key aims are to better connect communities with improved walking and cycling provision, improve safety and journey times on the A38 and provide better access to public transport.

Somerset Council and North Somerset Council are currently pulling together a full business case take the proposals to the next stage.

The key proposed schemes in the Somerset Council area are:

  • Edithmead Roundabout near J22 M5: Creation of a through-about option with signalisation
  • Rooksbridge: Safety scheme comprising mainly road markings.
  • Cross: Creation of a staggered junction design
  • Strawberry Line Crossing: An improved crossing of the A38 at Shute Shelve
  • Sustainable travel: Improvements to bus stops and pedestrian/cycling facilities

Somerset council’s lead member for transport and waste, councillor Richard Wilkins (Liberal Democrats, Curry Rivel and Langport), said: “Working in partnership with North Somerset Council, we are very hopeful we can get funding from 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.”

You can take a look at the proposals and take part in the engagement here.