Bridgwater’s road congestion has reached a tipping point, prompting the town’s MP to call for a parliamentary debate on the escalating traffic crisis.
At the heart of the issue is the Cross Rifles roundabout, a critical junction connecting the A38 Bristol Road from M5 junction 23 with key routes to the Bridgwater Retail Park and the nearby ‘gigafactory’ site. Initially slated for a significant upgrade supported by over £10 million from the 2021 levelling up fund, this project was abruptly halted by the Liberal Democrat-led Somerset Council in August 2024 due to rising costs. Instead, council priorities shifted to expanding the Dunball roundabout.
Sir Ashley Fox, Bridgwater’s Conservative MP, voiced his frustration in the House of Commons on November 13. He described how the cancellation of the Cross Rifles upgrade, combined with the introduction of a new one-way system on Salmon Parade and East Quay, has left the town “gridlocked.” Residents now endure longer journeys and steeply increased travel costs. Highlighting the impact, Sir Ashley shared the story of a resident named Sadie, whose weekly taxi fare to the supermarket surged from £7 to £20 after the changes.
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Calling for accountability, Sir Ashley urged for a parliamentary debate to address how local councils should be held responsible when they halt government-funded infrastructure projects without viable alternatives for the community.
In response, Alan Campbell MP, Leader of the House of Commons, acknowledged the importance of local infrastructure, especially for rural areas like Bridgwater. He confirmed he would raise the issue with the Department for Transport and suggested there might be future opportunities to discuss council accountability through upcoming legislative proceedings.
Following this, Sir Ashley welcomed the minister’s commitment but emphasized the real consequences for residents: increased traffic on an unimproved junction leading to longer commutes, missed appointments, and higher travel expenses.
Somerset Council’s portfolio holder for transport, Councillor Richard Wilkins, explained the decision, citing inflation, project risks related to land acquisition, and funding limits. He clarified that the government funds were reallocated to the Dunball roundabout upgrade, deemed more critical for regional growth. The Cross Rifles project was refocused on safety and active travel improvements within existing highway boundaries instead of extensive widening, prioritizing walking and wheeling infrastructure supported by developer contributions.
Work on the £10.7 million Dunball roundabout upgrade is scheduled for completion on November 21.