A coastal road described as “scary” and “dangerous” in Somerset is poised for significant safety enhancements for pedestrians and cyclists, as part of Somerset Council’s broader infrastructure plans. The Burnham and Highbridge Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) identifies key routes requiring urgent improvements to promote safer, active travel options across the area.
One top-priority route highlighted is the B3140 Berrow Road, stretching from Burnham-on-Sea town centre towards Berrow and Brean. This heavily used road experiences severe congestion during summer months due to an influx of holidaymakers arriving off the M5 motorway to access numerous holiday parks and caravan clubs.
Currently, the entire length of this route lacks dedicated cycle lanes, and pedestrians face long, nearly mile-long gaps without safe crossing points between Manor Park and the Applegreen petrol station. Compounding the danger, large sections of Coast Road have no pavements, forcing walkers into close proximity with fast-moving traffic, especially between Manor Way and Hurd Lane.
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The plan also highlights particularly wide and busy junctions—at Sea View Road, Victoria Street, and the Triangle—that pose significant challenges to pedestrians and wheelchair users trying to cross safely.
Local residents have long voiced concerns about road safety. Gill Waddington warned, “This stretch of road is an accident waiting to happen—it has been for years. Now the traffic is so heavy, it’s even more hazardous.” Sonya Priddy added, “Walking here with grandchildren or a buggy on the bends is truly scary.” Others agree that safety improvements are long overdue.
Previously, in 2017, consultants proposed the ‘Berrow Greenway’—a safe off-road route connecting Berrow and Burnham-on-Sea and linking to the Brean Down Way toward Weston-super-Mare. Although it received planning permission in 2018, the greenway was never built due to the need for support from local landowners, including the Burnham and Berrow Golf Club.
Until such off-road infrastructure is delivered, pedestrians and cyclists often resort to walking along the beach, which is not a reliable or safe alternative during bad weather or high tide.
While planning permission for the greenway has lapsed, the LCWIP notes the potential to revive the project if it meets current Department for Transport design standards (LTN1/20). In the meantime, Somerset Council aims to use funding—such as the £684,781 awarded by Active Travel England in November 2024—to implement immediate improvements once government grants or local developer contributions become available.
A detailed report outlining how these funds will be prioritised is set to be discussed by the council’s executive committee in October, offering hope for safer travel along this vital coastal route in the near future.