The government’s latest Road Investment Strategy (RIS3), published by the Department for Transport on March 26, outlines priorities for road projects across England up to 2031. However, Somerset has been excluded from receiving funding for any major new road schemes within this five-year plan.
While other parts of the South West will benefit from significant infrastructure improvements—such as a new dual carriageway on the A417 near Gloucester and enhancements to junction 28 of the M5 near Cullompton—Somerset motorists face ongoing congestion on critical routes like the M5 and the A303.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander MP emphasized the importance of renewed investment in the region’s roads, citing smoother, faster journeys and long-term maintenance as key goals. Nonetheless, the only scheme identified within Somerset was the recently completed A303 upgrade between the Podimore and Sparkford roundabouts.
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Nearby improvements include two “safety programmes”: one on the A303 west of Marsh in Devon, and another on the A36 east of Frome, just across the border in Wiltshire. But significant upgrades within Somerset remain absent from the government’s immediate plans.
National Highways executive director Elliot Shaw highlighted the strategic importance of maintaining and renewing the UK’s motorway and major A-road network for economic growth, safety, and connectivity. Yet, plans previously proposed—such as dualling the A358 between Taunton and Ilminster—were scrapped last October over concerns about cost-effectiveness.
Local representatives continue to push for priority projects. Yeovil MP Adam Dance is campaigning for an upgrade to the Southfields roundabout and dualling the A303 between Ilminster and South Petherton, though these proposals were not included in RIS3.
Moreover, the proposed M5 junction 22a, which would support the £4 billion Agratas gigafactory near Puriton and Woolavington, was also excluded. Somerset Council’s Gravity enterprise zone programme director, Ian Gray, provided an update noting ongoing discussions with National Highways and the appointment of Costain to develop designs, but detailed plans have yet to be shared.
While RIS3 omits Somerset’s larger scheme priorities, smaller projects continue with alternative funding sources, such as the £6.4 million upgrade of the Edithmead roundabout in Highbridge, supported through the Department for Transport’s major road network fund.
In summary, Somerset faces a challenging outlook as it receives no new major road investment under the current strategy, potentially prolonging congestion and limiting infrastructure improvements essential for economic development and local communities.