Somerset Council has announced a temporary 30mph speed limit will be enforced at the Edithmead roundabout near the M5 for two months. This measure, effective from January 19 until at least March 20, aims to facilitate preliminary work ahead of significant improvements designed to reduce congestion and enhance safety along the A38 corridor between the M5 and Bristol Airport.
In collaboration with North Somerset Council, Somerset is investing in a series of projects to upgrade infrastructure for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. Central to the scheme is the transformation of the Edithmead roundabout—linking Burnham-on-Sea, Highbridge, and the motorway—into a ‘throughabout’. This redesigned junction will allow uninterrupted northbound traffic flow from the motorway onto the A38, expediting journeys and improving road safety.
Initial works include vegetation clearance and tree removal, necessitating the reduced speed limit and some lane closures. Temporary traffic signals or stop-go boards may be implemented, particularly on the A38 Bristol Road north of the roundabout, which could be reduced to a single lane at times.
READ MORE: Labour Councillor Resigns Over National Party Leadership Concerns
READ MORE: When Netflix Viewing Requires a TV Licence – Avoid a £1,000 Fine
Councillor Richard Wilkins, portfolio holder for transport and waste services, emphasized the importance of the upgrades: “Securing funding for this busy stretch of the A38 has been a priority. We are committed to restoring the landscape with a comprehensive planting scheme once the project concludes, addressing community concerns.”
The new design will mirror the recently completed Dunball ‘throughabout’ in Bridgwater, which was funded predominantly by the government’s levelling up fund. This model features traffic signals on all approaches and enhanced pedestrian and cycling facilities, aligning with the Burnham and Highbridge Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP).
These works overlap with the ongoing upgrade of pedestrian crossing signals on the B3140 Love Lane in Burnham-on-Sea, which began earlier in January.
Funding for the broader scheme between Highbridge and Bristol Airport totals over £26 million, allocated by the Department for Transport. North Somerset Council is responsible for six schemes with £16 million in funding, while Somerset Council’s four projects receive approximately £8.6 million, the largest portion directed to the Edithmead roundabout upgrade.
Additional Somerset Council projects include:
-
Rooksbridge road safety enhancements, featuring new road markings and potential traffic calming
-
Redesigning the Cross junction near the village of Cross to a staggered format to improve safety, involving land acquisition
-
Upgrading the Strawberry Line crossing at Shute Shelve to improve safety, with ongoing advocacy for a footbridge installation similar to recent improvements in Shepton Mallet
Somerset Council has not yet confirmed a start date or timeline for the full construction phase of the Edithmead roundabout upgrade.