Bridgwater’s road congestion crisis has escalated into a national concern, with the town’s MP urging Parliament to debate the mounting traffic “gridlock”. At the heart of the issue is the Cross Rifles roundabout, one of Bridgwater’s busiest junctions, connecting the A38 Bristol Road, A39 Bath Road, and access routes to the Bridgwater Retail Park.
Originally slated for a substantial upgrade funded by over £10 million from the Conservative government’s levelling up fund in 2021, this improvement was scrapped in August 2024 by the Liberal Democrat-led Somerset Council. The council redirected funds to enhance the Dunball roundabout, citing rising costs and project risks.
Sir Ashley Fox, Conservative MP for Bridgwater, voiced his constituents’ frustrations in the House of Commons on November 13. He highlighted how the cancellation, combined with a new one-way system on Salmon Parade and East Quay, has intensified congestion, lengthened journeys, and significantly increased travel expenses. “One resident, Sadie, told me her weekly taxi fare to the supermarket has jumped from £7 to £20,” Fox revealed.
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Calling for accountability, Fox asked, “May we have a debate on how to hold councils responsible when they cancel government-funded infrastructure projects without viable alternatives for local people?”
The Somerset Council has faced strong criticism over traffic management, prompting council leader Bill Revans to announce a review of the controversial one-way schemes implemented during recent works on the town’s Celebration Mile.
Alan Campbell MP, Leader of the House of Commons, acknowledged the importance of local infrastructure, especially in rural areas. He confirmed he would bring the Bridgwater case to the Department for Transport’s attention and indicated that parliamentary opportunities might arise to discuss how local authorities can be held accountable for such decisions.
Responding, Fox welcomed the minister’s attention and emphasized the consequences of the cancelled upgrade: “Traffic has been diverted through a junction that remains unimproved, causing longer commutes, missed appointments, and higher travel costs for residents.”
Somerset Council’s portfolio holder for transport, Councillor Richard Wilkins, explained that escalating costs and land acquisition challenges forced the council to prioritize completion of the Dunball roundabout improvements. He stated that the Cross Rifles project would shift focus from a highway capacity expansion to safety and active travel enhancements, including improved walking and cycling routes using existing road boundaries.
The £10.7 million Dunball roundabout upgrade, funded partially by developer contributions earmarked for sustainable travel measures, is on track to be completed by November 21.