Somerset Council has announced that the long-awaited redesign of the problematic Cross junction on the outskirts of the Mendip Hills village of Cross will commence in the summer of 2027. The junction, which links the A38 Bridgwater Road with Cross Lane leading to Axbridge and Cheddar, as well as Old Coach Road, has been criticised for frequent tailbacks and serious visibility challenges that compromise road safety.
The council, in partnership with North Somerset Council, secured central government funding to improve this critical junction, forming part of a larger programme aimed at reducing journey times between the M5 motorway and Bristol Airport. This reflects the junction’s importance not only for passenger traffic to and from the airport but also for freight, including heavy goods vehicles accessing the numerous quarries around Cheddar via the nearby ‘magic roundabout’.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, lead member for highways and transport, emphasised the significance of these improvements, stating: “We have worked hard to lobby Government to support these vital improvements which include more capacity on the Edithmead roundabout to cope with future economic and residential growth, and some safety improvements at key junctions on the route.” He confirmed that construction is planned to coincide with upgrade works at the Edithmead roundabout in Highbridge to ensure coordinated traffic management.
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The forthcoming scheme will replace the existing junction with a staggered layout, relocating access to Cross Lane slightly to the south to enhance traffic flow and safety. Importantly, the mature tree near the junction will be preserved, with Cross Lane rerouted to gently curve around it. An attenuation pond will be installed nearby to manage surface water runoff.
Maintaining local access is a priority; for example, the Old Manor House Bed & Breakfast will have a dedicated spur road from the redesigned junction. Additionally, the former Cross Lane will be transformed into a shared active travel path to encourage walking and cycling.
A new un-signalised pedestrian crossing will also be introduced just north of the staggered junction to provide safer and more convenient access for Axbridge residents visiting local amenities such as the New Inn pub. The entire junction area will receive resurfacing, new lane markings, and traffic calming measures on all four approaches, alongside enhancements to existing pavements.
Josephine Paterson, senior officer in the council’s infrastructure and transport commissioning team, said in her report that the project aims to bolster road safety, improve journey time reliability, increase active travel connectivity, and enhance network resilience along the A38 corridor. It also supports planned housing and economic growth in the region while addressing the demands on the strategic road network.
The Cross junction upgrade is part of a package of four schemes within Somerset, with a combined estimated cost of £18.8 million. Funding comes from several sources: £9.16 million has been secured from the Department for Transport, while the council will contribute £9 million through local transport grants and other allocations. An additional £618,000 will be drawn from housing development contributions in the Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge area.
The construction at Cross is scheduled to start on 26 August 2027 and conclude by 20 March 2028, spanning nearly seven months. Residents and commuters can expect updates on any road closures, speed restrictions, and diversions to be posted on the Somerset Council website in due course.
Notably, the Cross junction work will overlap with the final stages of the Edithmead roundabout improvements, potentially causing concurrent delays on the A38. Other related yet less extensive upgrades at Rooksbridge and Shute Shelve are planned but without confirmed dates, and will be managed under separate contracts, likely involving different contractors.