Bridgwater motorists face further evening and overnight road closures over the coming two months as the significant upgrade of the Dunball roundabout approaches completion. Since November 2024, Somerset Council and contractor Centregreat have been leading a £10.7 million enhancement project for the roundabout connecting junction 23 of the M5 to Bridgwater town centre via the A38 Bristol Road.
Mainly financed through the government’s levelling up fund, the upgrade is scheduled to finish in autumn, coinciding with Bridgwater’s renowned annual carnival. However, to meet this timeline, a series of additional closures will begin Monday, September 15, compelling drivers to follow lengthy diversions and expect extended travel times.
The upgrade is designed to optimize traffic flow between Bridgwater and the motorway by implementing traffic signals at every junction and introducing a ‘throughabout’ lane that allows continuous passage toward the motorway. This improvement is vital to accommodate and stimulate new residential and commercial developments nearby, including the Agratas gigafactory currently under construction between Puriton and Woolavington.
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Furthermore, the project enhances walking and cycling infrastructure based on Bridgwater’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). The ultimate goal is a seamless active travel corridor connecting the town centre with the gigafactory via the Downend pedestrian bridge.
Currently entering its final phase, the construction requires evening and overnight closures for resurfacing and the installation of traffic signals. Various parts of the surrounding roads will be closed at different times starting September 15, with closures generally between 7:30pm and 5am.
Specific planned closures include:
- A38 Bristol Road northbound closure from 11pm to 5am on select dates.
- A38 Bristol Road southbound closure on Wednesday, September 24 and Friday, October 3 during the same overnight hours.
- A39 eastbound closure between the Dunball roundabout and M5 from 7:30pm to 5am on September 18 and October 2, with Glastonbury side access maintained.
- Eastern side of the roundabout closed overnight on specified dates, permitting access to the A39 and M5 but restricting travel around that roundabout side.
All closures are weather-dependent and subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Diversions will direct traffic via the A39 Bath Road and Puriton Hill.
Somerset Council leader Bill Revans expressed satisfaction with progress, noting, “The project remains on time and on budget, set to complete this autumn as planned. This upgrade is crucial to support the substantial economic and residential growth expected in Bridgwater and the wider Somerset region.”
He highlighted the importance of infrastructure to support key developments like the Agratas facility, Gravity development, and Hinkley Point C, emphasizing ongoing efforts to future-proof the road network.
While recognizing the inevitable disruption, Revans thanked residents, businesses, and road users for their understanding and cooperation, urging everyone to plan their journeys accordingly during the final stages of work.