Somerset Council has announced that the long-awaited remodelling works at the busy Cross junction on the edge of the Mendip Hills will commence in the summer of 2027. This junction connects the A38 Bridgwater Road with Cross Lane towards Axbridge and Cheddar, as well as Old Coach Road within the village of Cross.
The council has collaborated closely with North Somerset Council to secure central government funding for this project, which is part of a broader initiative aimed at reducing journey times between the M5 motorway and Bristol Airport.
According to the council’s lead member for highways and transport, Councillor Richard Wilkins, the project forms a vital element of wider plans to enhance traffic capacity and safety. “We have worked diligently to lobby Government for support on these crucial improvements. These include increasing capacity at the Edithmead roundabout to accommodate future growth, alongside safety enhancements at key junctions on this corridor,” he said.
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The infrastructural improvements at the Cross junction will be coordinated to align with upgrades at the nearby Edithmead roundabout in Highbridge. Both schemes are recognised as part of the country’s Major Road Network and are significant due to their role in connecting the road system to Bristol Airport, thereby supporting regional economic and residential expansion.
Traffic at the existing junction is frequently plagued by tailbacks, particularly on the northbound A38 when vehicles are turning right towards Axbridge and Cheddar. Visibility challenges also affect drivers joining the A38 from Coach Lane and Old Coach Road, creating hazardous conditions.
Further complicating the traffic flow, this section of the A38 serves as a primary freight route, especially for heavy goods vehicles travelling from the local quarries near Cheddar via the ‘magic roundabout’.
To address these issues, the planned upgrade will introduce a new staggered junction by relocating the access to Cross Lane southwards. The scheme has been carefully designed to preserve the mature tree near the junction, with the road realigned to curve around it. Additionally, an attenuation pond will be established to the south of the junction to manage surface water.
Access to the Old Manor House Bed & Breakfast will be maintained through a spur road connecting to the reconfigured Cross Lane. Moreover, the former stretch of Cross Lane will be converted into a shared-use path promoting active travel.
To improve pedestrian safety, a new un-signalised crossing will be installed north of the staggered crossroads, facilitating easier access for Axbridge residents to local amenities such as the New Inn pub.
Comprehensive resurfacing of the junction will be undertaken, including new lane markings and traffic calming measures on all four approaches. Existing pavements will also be upgraded to enhance pedestrian experience and safety.
Josephine Paterson, senior officer in the council’s infrastructure and transport commissioning team, emphasised the scheme’s objectives: “This project aims to enhance road safety, improve journey time reliability, boost active travel connectivity, and increase network resilience along the A38 corridor. It also supports planned housing and employment growth while addressing the impact on the strategic road network.”
The Cross junction upgrade is one of four related schemes to be implemented within Somerset Council’s jurisdiction, collectively costing an estimated £18.8 million, which includes pre-construction costs and allowances for contingencies.
Funding will be sourced from a combination of Department for Transport grants (£9.16 million), council contributions (£9 million), and developer contributions (£618,000) from housing developments within the Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge areas. The council also anticipates offsetting some borrowing costs through an ongoing bid to the National Highways growth and housing accelerator fund.
Formal acceptance of the funding package was approved by the council’s executive committee on 2 September. Construction work at the Cross junction is planned to commence on 26 August 2027 and is expected to take approximately seven months, concluding by 20 March 2028.
Details of any planned closures, speed restrictions, and diversions during construction will be made available in the coming weeks on the council’s website.
It is anticipated that the Cross junction works will overlap with the later phases of the Edithmead roundabout upgrade, potentially causing two simultaneous periods of disruption on the A38. Meanwhile, dates for less extensive improvements at nearby Rooksbridge and Shute Shelve remain unconfirmed. These latter works are part of separate contracts and may involve different contractors.
Residents and road users are advised to stay informed about the forthcoming works and plan accordingly to minimise inconvenience during this essential infrastructure upgrade.