Bridgwater drivers are preparing for an extended period of disruption as roadworks set to last up to 12 months commence for the construction of a new cycle link connected to planned motorway services near the M5.
S. Notaro Land Ltd. received outline planning permission in September 2021 to develop a new services complex east of junction 24 of the M5, located on a site west of Huntworth Lane. Detailed plans announced by Welcome Break in March 2025 reveal two new access points: an entry-only slip road from the Huntworth roundabout and a T-junction further along Huntworth Lane, allowing both entry and exit.
A key feature of the development is a new walking and cycling link between the services and the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal cycle route, improving access to Bridgwater town centre. To facilitate construction, temporary traffic lights will be installed on Marsh Lane near the Boat and Anchor pub entrance from August 6, remaining in place for approximately one year.
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The new services will include an amenity building, a petrol station, and a drive-thru coffee shop—likely a Starbucks, based on the illustrative designs—joining other outlets at Hankridge Farm in Taunton (junction 25) and Dunball in northern Bridgwater (junction 23). The facility will offer substantial parking: 324 car spaces (including 20 accessible and 54 electric vehicle charging bays), 8 motorcycle bays, 10 caravan bays (2 accessible), 8 coach bays, and 39 HGV spaces.
Adjacent to the services, Notaro plans additional employment facilities accessed via a spine road from a new Huntworth Lane roundabout. The cycle link will branch from this spine road, crossing a public right of way that leads to an existing footbridge over the motorway, traversing farmland west of Huntworth Lane, and emerging near the Marsh Lane junction.
This link provides a direct connection to Bridgwater’s wider cycle network, including the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal towpath (part of National Cycle Network route 3) and the segregated paths along Squibbers Way, which connect to the Celebration Mile. The route aligns with Bridgwater’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), aiming to enhance active travel routes between the town centre, the new services, and nearby housing developments in North Petherton.
A Somerset Council spokesperson noted, “The provisional programme is estimated by Notaro’s contractor to last approximately 12 months, based on necessary highway works under the outline planning permission.” Importantly, these works are fully funded by the developer, with no council funding involved. Welcome Break is identified as the lead occupant.
Marsh Lane, frequently used as a shortcut to the M5 to avoid A38 Taunton Road congestion, will see significant changes during construction. Further roadwork details in Bridgwater are available on the Somerset Council website.
Welcome Break already manages several M5 service areas, including Sedgemoor (between junctions 22 and 21), Gordano near Bristol (junction 19), and Michaelwood in Gloucestershire (junction 13). The company has yet to announce potential employment numbers for the Bridgwater services, pending final planning approval, expected before Christmas. A similar Welcome Break plan near Yeovil by the A303 is also under consideration.