Somerset Council has decided to scale back its originally planned upgrade to a key crossing over the busy A38 near Shute Shelve, close to Axbridge. This decision follows consultation with local residents and reflects feedback gathered as part of wider efforts to enhance the A38 corridor between the M5 and Bristol Airport.
The council has been collaborating with North Somerset Council on a series of schemes intended to reduce journey times, alleviate congestion, and improve road safety along this important route.
Initially, the scheme proposed installing a signal-controlled crossing on the A38 at Shute Shelve, replacing the existing uncontrolled crossing that forms part of the popular Strawberry Line long-distance cycle route. However, after considering local concerns, the council has revised the plan to focus on more modest safety improvements without introducing traffic signals.
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Situated on the edge of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the crossing serves as a vital link between Winscombe and Axbridge, with onward travel possible towards Cheddar. It currently features a ‘sheep pen’ style arrangement that offers limited space for pedestrians and cyclists to wait safely, particularly amid heavy goods vehicle traffic heading towards the airport.
Surveys conducted by the Strawberry Line Society indicate that over 150,000 people use this section of the path annually. The Society had advocated for the installation of a pedestrian and cycle bridge at this location, akin to the structure recently completed over the B3136 West Shepton in Shepton Mallet in October 2024.
The council confirmed that the original scheme, which included full signalisation, will not be pursued. Some of the funding allocated to this project will be redirected towards other improvements within the broader A38 programme.
A council spokesperson stated: “The A38 major road network programme has been developed and refined through a robust business case process to ensure it remains deliverable, offers value for money, and reflects input from stakeholders and local communities. As part of this process, some elements of the scheme have been reviewed and adjusted. At Shute Shelve, the current proposals focus on delivering appropriate safety improvements rather than introducing full signalisation as earlier considered. Community feedback was clear and we took this on board – local people did not want it signalised.”
The signalisation option was initially estimated to cost over £500,000, while a new pedestrian and cycle bridge was projected to cost around £1 million.
All works within Somerset Council’s remit as part of the A38 programme will be carried out by Centregreat, the company responsible for the recent £10.7 million upgrade to Dunball roundabout in Bridgwater.
While there are currently no confirmed plans or funding for an alternative crossing at Shute Shelve, the council remains open to future discussions concerning improvements at this site.
The spokesperson added: “The funding associated with the scheme remains allocated to the A38 package as a whole, supporting a range of corridor-wide improvements. Regarding longer-term aspirations, such as a potential bridge here, there are no confirmed plans beyond the current programme. Any future proposals would require separate development, funding availability, and further community engagement. The final business case has been submitted to the Department for Transport, and we await their decision. At this stage, no timeline has been confirmed for approval or commencement of works. Further details will be shared when available.”
Mick Fletcher, chairman of the Strawberry Line Society, welcomed the council’s decision to not introduce a signal-controlled crossing and expressed cautious optimism about the potential for a future bridge. He remarked: “We are pleased the council has responded to local advice and will not pursue a signalised crossing, which we believed would have been an inefficient use of public funds. While it is understandable that savings remain within the A38 package, we are disappointed that the council has not provided clearer support for a bridge, which remains the only sensible long-term solution. I had been under the impression that the council accepted the case for a bridge and that preliminary design work was included in their forward plans.”