Residents of Somerset have faced numerous roadworks throughout 2025, and the coming year promises no respite. From the Dunball ‘throughabout’ in Bridgwater to Wellington’s concrete carriageway upgrade and Chard’s extensive gas and wastewater repairs, daily commutes have often been fraught with delays, traffic diversions, and stop-start journeys.
As 2026 approaches, drivers across the county prepare for busy roads—be it returning from holiday, long-haul deliveries, or routine travel. However, there is hope that many of these ongoing disruptions will culminate in significant enhancements to Somerset’s transport infrastructure.
Here are eight pivotal projects that will shape Somerset’s transport landscape in 2026:
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Minehead Road and Dunster Steep Traffic Signals Replacement
Somerset Council kicks off on January 5, 2026, replacing 30-year-old traffic lights at the busy A39 Minehead Road and A396 Dunster Steep junction. The upgrade includes excavation to renew outdated ducting and wiring, and installation of new light heads. Intelligent temporary signals will manage traffic until the project’s completion in April 2026. The work is performed by Centregreat, known for their recent £10.7m Dunball roundabout upgrade.
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Clarks Village Traffic Signal Upgrade
Similarly, six aging traffic signals around Clarks Village shopping centre in Street will be replaced by May 2026. Octavius, a council contractor, leads this county-wide traffic signal improvement initiative, which also facilitates a new shared use path for cyclists and pedestrians along the A39. Evening and overnight closures for resurfacing will mark the final phase.
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Taunton’s New Bus and Coach Transport Hub
By late summer 2026, Taunton will unveil a £3.76 million transport hub replacing the outdated Tower Street facility. Featuring six drive-in, drive-out bus stops with shelters, two coach stops on Castle Way, layover bays, real-time information boards, an indoor waiting room with accessible amenities, and solar panels, the hub promises enhanced convenience and sustainability. Pedestrian-friendly areas with seating, planting, bike parking, and new crossings will link it seamlessly to nearby travel routes.
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Bridgwater’s Celebration Mile Review
Government-backed modifications to Bridgwater’s town centre, including one-way streets on Eastover, East Quay, and Salmon Parade, have sparked congestion and public discontent. After a petition exceeding 5,800 signatures, the council will conduct a comprehensive four-month review beginning early 2026, with proposals anticipated by late summer. Any resulting changes would be implemented thereafter.
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Coal Orchard Footbridge Replacement in Taunton
The narrow Coal Orchard footbridge, vital to National Cycle Network route 3, will be replaced with a four-metre-wide bridge to safely accommodate both cyclists and pedestrians. Funded primarily through the Future High Streets Fund and supplemented by community infrastructure levies, work is set for completion by late summer 2026. The project includes ramps and steps redesigns to meet Department for Transport guidelines.
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A38 Corridor Upgrades
Somerset and North Somerset Councils have secured Department for Transport backing for ten schemes to improve traffic flow between the Edithmead roundabout (near M5 junction 22) and Bristol Airport. Somerset’s portion, funded for approximately £16 million, includes key junction enhancements, walking and cycling facility improvements, and bus stop upgrades. Contractor appointment for preparatory works at Edithmead is expected by late January 2026, with full schemes commencing thereafter.
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Langport Rural Transport Hub
Initially planned for Somerton, the £510,000 rural transport hub has been relocated to Langport due to conservation restrictions and funding limitations. Strategically positioned on active travel and tourist routes, Langport’s hub project will commence within 2026 under Somerset Council’s ongoing digital demand responsive transport trial.
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Staplegrove Urban Extension Access Improvements
To unlock 713 homes and commercial developments within the Staplegrove expansion in Taunton, Staplegrove Road will be widened and the Silk Mills roundabout replaced with traffic signals. Construction started in late October 2025 and will continue through approximately 60 weeks, targeting completion by late March 2027. The scheme includes enhanced pedestrian and cycle paths, retaining walls, and revised traffic flows designed to minimize disruption.
These ambitious projects reflect Somerset Council’s commitment to modernizing infrastructure despite inevitable short-term challenges. While 2026 will bring its fair share of roadworks and delays, the long-term benefits promise safer, more efficient travel throughout the county.