Bridgwater has sidestepped “another year of roadworks” thanks to the successful completion of the Dunball roundabout upgrade, Somerset Council confirmed. The crucial junction, linking Bridgwater town centre with junction 23 of the M5, reopened on Thursday, November 21, as a ‘through-about’ after over a year of comprehensive improvements, primarily funded by central government grants.
The £10.7 million project faced scrutiny recently, with critics including Conservative councillors and MP Sir Ashley Fox questioning the council’s decision to abandon planned upgrades to the Cross Rifles roundabout due to rising costs. Somerset Council defended the choice, emphasizing that continuing with the original plans would have prolonged disruption in the town centre. They highlighted that the completed Dunball roundabout now alleviates congestion and positions Bridgwater to attract new investment.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, portfolio holder for transport and waste services, spoke from the site during morning rush hour on November 21, sharing positive feedback. “It’s fantastic – the traffic build-up has eased, and the roundabout is future-proofed. Our engineers are on-site ensuring everything is perfectly adjusted,” he said.
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The redesign offers significant traffic flow improvements: a ‘through-about’ facilitates smoother exits from Bridgwater to the M5, while additional lanes handle inbound motorway traffic. “We’re already seeing the difference, though it’s early days. We’ll continue monitoring to ensure standards are met,” Wilkins added.
Originally, both Dunball and Cross Rifles roundabouts were slated for upgrades under the ‘Bridgwater northern corridor’ scheme, funded by the government’s 2021 levelling up fund. In August 2024, the council reprioritized, canceling the Cross Rifles upgrade to focus resources fully on Dunball amid rising costs.
Conservative councillor Diogo Rodrigues contends that this decision, along with a new one-way system from the Celebration Mile project, has exacerbated congestion in the town centre. In response, council leader Bill Revans has commissioned a review of the one-way traffic flow near East Quay and Salmon Parade.
Wilkins explained that adhering to the original plans was no longer feasible. “Without sufficient funding, implementing both schemes would have meant another year of roadworks at Cross Rifles. Redirecting our efforts was the practical solution.” Instead, minor crossing improvements and enhanced active travel infrastructure will be introduced around the Cross Rifles area to provide incremental benefits.
The Dunball upgrade goes beyond vehicle capacity enhancements, incorporating improved walking and cycling facilities. Notably, a new pedestrian crossing over Bristol Road (A38) connects two service areas, forming part of Bridgwater’s ‘purple route’ in the local cycling and walking infrastructure plan (LCWIP). This route will eventually link the town centre to the Gravity development via the Puriton footbridge over the M5.
An avid cyclist himself, Wilkins highlighted the scheme’s potential to encourage more sustainable travel. “Already, cyclists are using the new infrastructure—even on cold days. When the new gigafactory opens, these facilities will help reduce car traffic, easing pressure on roads,” he said, praising Bridgwater’s extensive network of cycleways and active travel routes.
The council awarded Centregreat the contract to deliver the Dunball improvements in August 2024, with provisions for extending the work to the Edithmead roundabout. Located near junction 22 of the M5, Edithmead connects to Highbridge and Burnham-on-Sea, and its upgrade is part of a larger initiative with North Somerset Council to reduce journey times along the A38 corridor to Bristol Airport.
While the Edithmead project’s timeline remains flexible, Wilkins suggested work may begin in late 2026 instead of the earlier proposed summer date. “We’re finalizing plans in partnership with North Somerset Council,” he said.
He thanked Bridgwater residents for their patience amid multiple concurrent infrastructure projects, acknowledging the disruption but expressing optimism. “People have adapted well to the Dunball layout. We’re glad to have it open and look forward to ongoing improvements across Bridgwater.”