Bridgwater residents and commuters can now look forward to smoother journeys, as Somerset Council announces the completion and reopening of the upgraded Dunball roundabout. This pivotal junction connects Bridgwater town centre to junction 23 of the M5 motorway and had been undergoing extensive roadworks for over a year.
Reopened as a ‘through-about’ on November 21, the £10.7 million project was largely funded by central government grants and marks a significant milestone in the town’s transport infrastructure. The redesign aims to alleviate congestion, enhance traffic flow, and attract new investment into the area.
Despite criticism from some Conservative councillors and local MP Sir Ashley Fox, who questioned the council’s decision to cancel planned upgrades to the nearby Cross Rifles roundabout due to rising costs, Somerset Council maintains that focusing resources on Dunball was the practical choice. Proceeding with the original dual-upgrade plan would have prolonged disruption through another year of roadworks in the town centre.
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Councillor Richard Wilkins, portfolio holder for transport and waste services, shared his enthusiasm during rush hour at the roundabout site: “It’s fantastic – the traffic build-up we used to see is gone, and this scheme is future-proofed. Our engineers are on site fine-tuning everything to ensure it runs perfectly.”
Wilkins highlighted that the new design benefits both outbound and inbound traffic, with extra lanes easing movement between Bridgwater and the M5. Early observations indicate that traffic is already flowing more freely, though the council will continue careful monitoring to ensure the work meets high standards.
Originally, both the Dunball and Cross Rifles roundabouts were slated for improvements under the ‘Bridgwater northern corridor’ scheme, funded by the 2021 levelling up fund. When costs escalated, the council chose to scrap the Cross Rifles upgrade, redirecting all remaining funds to Dunball. This decision, combined with a new one-way system under the Celebration Mile project, led to some congestion concerns in town centre, prompting a review into local traffic arrangements.
Wilkins stressed that abandoning the original plan was necessary to stay on budget and avoid extended disruptions. Instead, minor improvements to pedestrian crossings and active travel infrastructure will be introduced at Cross Rifles in the future to make a modest impact.
The Dunball upgrade also introduces enhanced walking and cycling facilities. A new crossing over the A38 Bristol Road links nearby service areas, forming part of the ‘purple route’ in the Bridgwater local cycling and walking infrastructure plan (LCWIP). This route will eventually provide seamless connectivity from the town centre to the Gravity site via the Puriton footbridge over the M5.
A keen cyclist himself, Wilkins remarked on initial positive uptake: “Even on a cold morning, cyclists are using the improvements. This is expected to grow, especially with the upcoming gigafactory nearby. Encouraging active travel will reduce car numbers on roads, benefiting all drivers.”
Looking ahead, Somerset Council plans further improvements along the A38 corridor, including potential upgrades to the Edithmead roundabout, which links junction 22 of the M5 to Highbridge and Burnham-on-Sea. While discussions continue, work on this site could commence in late 2026, in partnership with North Somerset Council.
Wilkins concluded by expressing gratitude to Bridgwater residents for their patience during this period of multiple infrastructure projects. “It hasn’t been easy with three major developments at once, but we’re glad to have the Dunball roundabout open and are committed to making continued improvements across Bridgwater.”