THE Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed £26 million in funding for improvements along the A38 corridor which will make it easier to drive to Bristol Airport.

The project will see vital upgrades at nine locations on the important transport route along the A38 between Edithmead Roundabout, junction 22 on the M5 motorway, to just south west of Bristol.

The improvements will be delivered by both North Somerset and Somerset Councils in partnership.

Plans include both active and sustainable travel, as well as addressing road journey reliability times and safety along the A38 corridor.

Somerset executive Cllr Richard Wilkins said: “This is great news for Somerset and the wider region.

“The A38 is a critical transport artery and we have worked hard with colleagues at North Somerset over a number of years to secure the vital Government funding to make these improvements a reality.

Improvements to the M5 motorway junction 22 Edithmead roundabout will help make it a smoother journey when driving to Bristol Airport.
Improvements to the M5 motorway junction 22 Edithmead roundabout will help make it a smoother journey when driving to Bristol Airport. (Google Maps)

“This helps to ensure our infrastructure is future proofed for years to come, with improved connectivity across the region.

“The work at Edithmead will deliver increased capacity to allow for further economic and residential growth while helping to prevent queueing at peak times on the M5.

“Elsewhere, there are some important safety upgrades.”

Proposed A38 schemes in the Somerset Council area are:

  • Edithmead Roundabout near J22 of the M5 - creation of traffic signals where the heaviest traffic flow is routed through the centre of the roundabout, as well as a signalised cycle crossing on the B3140 via an enlarged splitter island
  • Rooksbridge - safety scheme comprising mainly road markings
  • Cross - creation of a staggered junction arrangement
  • Strawberry Line Crossing - Enhanced visibility measures and upgraded signage

In the North Somerset Council area, schemes include:

  • West Lane to Airport Terminal Roundabout - widen carriageway between the airport roundabout and West Lane to provide two traffic lanes in each direction with redesigned A38 junctions with Downside Road and West Lane under signal control to enable safer turning movements and improved drainage
  • Airport Terminal Roundabout to Silver Zone Roundabout - construct new active travel infrastructure (shared-use path) for people walking and cycling, construct northbound bus lane, re-design northbound approach to the terminal roundabout to provide a dedicated left-turn lane into the airport and two ahead lanes for northbound traffic to help improve journey reliability times, improve drainage
  • Langford area - upgrade active travel infrastructure, shared-use path, between B3133 Langford Road junction and A368 Churchill Gate crossroads through kerb realignment and carriageway narrowing, improve drainage
  • Sidcot Lane to Hillyfields junction - widen existing footway to better accommodate users and improve safety and connectivity

North Somerset Council leader Cllr Mike Bell said: “This comes after years of hard work developing our business cases and we now look forward to being out onto site to deliver.

Bristol Airport will be easier to reach thanks to a Government backed scheme to improve the A38.
Bristol Airport will be easier to reach thanks to a Government backed scheme to improve the A38. (Google Maps)

“The vital A38 improvements are part of plans to maintain and improve our transport network as the region’s population grows.

Not only will the A38 major road network improve capacity on our roads, making journeys smoother, safer, and more reliable, but the project also includes sustainable options for getting around, such as the widening of walking and cycling paths and improvements to the existing crossings for the Strawberry Line.

“Creating capacity and offering choice when it comes to getting around is key, whether living, working or visiting, so it is crucial we prepare for the future with schemes like this and continue building infrastructure to support transport and access to education, leisure, and economic prosperity.”

Roads Minister Justin Madders said: “The A38 is a vital route connecting communities across Somerset and the South West, and through this funding, journeys will be more reliable, with less congestion.

“By investing in key routes like the A38, the Government is strengthening local transport networks, boosting connectivity and supporting growth across the region.”

Contractor Centregreat will carry out the Edithmead work in Somerset, which was procured as part of its contract for a recent Dunball junction 23 scheme, near Bridgwater, while the other improvements will be delivered by the council’s existing infrastructure partner Octavius.

Work is scheduled to start in January and ahead of it the councils will be organising public drop-in sessions for local people to find out more about the plans.