Somerset Council has decided to scale back its planned upgrade of a key crossing on the busy A38 near Shute Shelve, close to Axbridge. The move follows local feedback and a review of the scheme.
The council has been collaborating with North Somerset Council on several projects aimed at improving the A38 corridor between the M5 motorway and Bristol Airport. These improvements seek to reduce journey times, alleviate congestion, and enhance road safety.
One major proposal included installing a new signal-controlled crossing on the A38 at Shute Shelve, designed to replace the current uncontrolled crossing that forms part of the Strawberry Line long-distance cycle route. This route provides a vital link between Winscombe and Axbridge, continuing on towards Cheddar, and lies on the edge of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
However, following responses from local residents and stakeholders, Somerset Council has opted to implement smaller-scale safety enhancements rather than full signalisation at this location. The existing crossing features a ‘sheep pen’ design, where pedestrians and cyclists have limited space to wait safely amid heavy goods vehicles and traffic heading towards Bristol Airport.
Surveys conducted by the Strawberry Line Society indicate that over 150,000 people use this crossing section annually. The Society had advocated for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge, similar to the structure installed over the B3136 West Shepton in Shepton Mallet in October 2024.
A council spokesperson explained: “The A38 major road network programme has been developed through a thorough business case process to ensure deliverability, value for money, and responsiveness to community and stakeholder feedback. Some elements have been reviewed and adjusted accordingly. At Shute Shelve, we are focused on delivering appropriate safety improvements rather than full signalisation, which local people opposed.”
The originally proposed signalised crossing was estimated to cost over � 500,000, while the proposed new bridge would have been around � 1 million. Funding previously allocated to the full scheme will now support other improvements within the wider A38 programme.
Centregreat, the contractor responsible for the recent � 10.7 million upgrade of the Dunball roundabout in Bridgwater, will carry out all elements of the A38 programme within Somerset Council’s boundaries.
Currently, the council has no immediate plans or funding for an alternative crossing at Shute Shelve but remains open to future discussions about further improvements in the area. The spokesperson added: “The funding remains allocated within the A38 package to support various corridor improvements. Regarding longer-term aspirations like a potential bridge, there are no confirmed plans beyond this programme. Any future proposals would require separate development, funding, and engagement. We have submitted the final business case to the Department for Transport and await their decision. At this stage, there is no confirmed timeline for approval or commencement of works. Further updates will be provided when available.”
Mick Fletcher, chairman of the Strawberry Line Society, welcomed the decision to forgo signalisation and expressed optimism about a future bridge. He commented: “We are pleased that the council listened to community advice and decided not to proceed with a signalised crossing, which we viewed as a poor use of public funds. While it is understandable that savings must be reallocated 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. We understood preliminary design work for a bridge had been part of the council’s forward plans.”