Somerset Council has yet to allocate any funding to address critical pedestrian and cycling ‘missing links’ along one of its busiest roads, the A39 Quantock Road in Bridgwater. This issue comes amidst significant housing developments underway nearby, which will add over 1,000 homes in the coming years.
Cavanna Homes is currently developing Centenary Heights on the western edge of Bridgwater—a project set to include 675 homes, a primary school, and a community hub just north of the A39. Construction began in February 2024 on two signalised junctions that will serve the new community. One junction will eventually become a crossroads as part of Persimmon Homes’ Severn Valley development, adding another 352 homes on the south side of the road.
While new pavements and pedestrian connections are being installed on the northern side of Quantock Road—facilitating access to Bridgwater town centre—the council has stated that extending walking and cycling links westwards toward Cannington and Hinkley Point C’s park and ride facilities “does not feature amongst its current priorities.” No central government funds or contributions from other developments have been set aside for this purpose.
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The A39 is a vital artery for Somerset, heavily trafficked by holidaymakers traveling between the M5 and the Butlin’s resort in Minehead, as well as serving as a major route for Hinkley Point C construction vehicles. Currently, pedestrians from Centenary Heights face challenges crossing the road safely, with the closest crossing located at the edge of a 20 mph zone on a road frequented by heavy goods vehicles, tipper lorries, and buses accessing the power station.
Moreover, the northern pavement of the A39 is narrow and often overgrown until it widens near the BP petrol station and Budgens. Beyond this point, thick hedges and limited crossings impede pedestrian and cyclist movement, with no dedicated cycle lanes until the Sandford Corner roundabout. From there, a smooth, shared-use path extends to Cannington and the nearby park and ride.
These missing sections—either side of the petrol station—are set to become increasingly important when the new Haygrove School opens in late 2028 on Skimmerton Lane, replacing the existing secondary school on Durleigh Road. The new school is expected to serve the new housing developments and surrounding villages, with walking and cycling crucial to managing peak-time traffic congestion on the A39.
The Bridgwater Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), published in May 2022, identified cycling infrastructure in west Bridgwater as a key missing link, highlighting aspirations to connect Bridgwater to Cannington and beyond via Wembdon. Despite this, Somerset Council, which took over from the county council in April 2023, has no current plans or funding allocated from the recent Active Travel England grants for improvements in this area.
A council spokesman said: “This does not feature amongst our current priorities and no funding has been allocated.”
Section 106 funds are tied to specific development sites, limiting the potential to draw additional resources from Cavanna or Persimmon projects to fund these walking and cycling upgrades. While Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions could potentially support such schemes from other developments, these funds typically prioritize schools and other urgent infrastructure projects, like the proposed Wellington railway station.
Bridgwater town councillor Tim Mander criticized the lack of progress on social media, stating that Somerset Council and the developers are failing the community by not completing this essential active travel link. He noted, “The Cokerhurst/Centenary Heights site has delivered few community benefits. Finishing the cycling and walking route connecting Bridgwater, Cannington, and Combwich is a lost opportunity.”
He added that the current route sends pedestrians and cyclists along Sandford Hill and through Wembdon, which, although quieter than the A39, still experiences considerable traffic.
Meanwhile, the current 20 mph speed limit on Quantock Road is expected to remain in place until August 31, according to the council’s official roadworks portal.