Have your say on schemes to improve the A38 through Winscombe, Cross and Rooksbridge

By Tim Lethaby

24th Jun 2021 | Local News

Somerset residents are being asked for their views on nine major upgrades to a key road between Bristol and Burnham-on-Sea.

Somerset County Council and North Somerset Council have put forward a number of significant schemes to improve the A38 between the two settlements.

The scheme looks to cut journey times, reduce crash levels and provide better connections for communities along the route – including public transport provision.

Residents have until August 1 to have their say, before a business case is submitted to the Department for Transport (DfT) later in the year.

The stretch of the A38 being targeted runs between the Edithmead roundabout at Junction 22 of the M5 and the South Bristol link road, also known as Colliters Way.

Here's a rundown of all the different elements being proposed:

Turning Edithmead into a "throughabout": much like the planned improvements to the Dunball roundabout at Junction 23 near Bridgwater, the Edithmead roundabout will soon become a "throughabout". A new 'through' route will allow traffic from the M5 to reach the northbound A38 Bristol Road more quickly, with the roundabout being signalised and an additional left turn lane being added for traffic heading south into Highbridge.

Rooksbridge speed control measures: new 30mph speed limits signs will be installed at the entrances to this village. New high-friction red surfacing is also being laid to encourage drivers to slow down both at the entrance and at key junctions throughout the settlement.

Staggering the Cross junction: the current Cross junction will be staggered, with Cross Lane from Axbridge being moved to the south to improve visibility and road safety. Articulated lorries will no longer be able to turn left onto Old Coach Road, with a central refuge for pedestrians being created near the dual carriageway section.

The Strawberry Line crossing: the Strawberry Line is a traffic-free route that currently runs uninterrupted from Yatton to Cheddar, with other sections in place near Wells and Shepton Mallet and further links being planned. Under the plans, the current crossing over the A38 Bridgwater Road dual carriageway north of the Cross junction will be enhanced to encourage cycling.

Improvements to Sidcot Lane: the A38 Bridgwater Road cuts through the village of Winscombe through the Mendip Hills area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB). The existing footway between Hillyfields and Sidcot Lane will be widened to make it safer for pedestrians.

Better cycle links in Langford: Langford is experiencing new housing growth on the southern side of the A38, including the Mendip Gate development of 40 new homes at the southern entrance. The existing road will be realigned to provide better pedestrian and cycling links between the new homes and key facilities in the village, including the Stag and Hounds pub and the Touts convenience store.

Bristol Airport improvements: the road leading from the southern roundabout at Bristol Airport will be widened to provide extra lane and additional cycling facilities. These will run up to the the northern roundabout (leading to the long stay car parks and terminal building), with the approach lanes also being widened to provide additional capacity.

Barrow Gurney cycling improvements: Barrow Gurney lies near the National Cycle Network route 26, lying between Bristol Airport and the outskirts of the city. The existing footpath along the A38 Bridgwater Road will be widened to provide a shared cycle path between Dial Lane and Hobbs Lane.

Bristol Water junction upgrade: the junction between the A38 Bridgwater Road and the B3130Barrow Street, leading to the Bristol Water treatment works, will be upgraded to allow smoother traffic flow in all three directions. Measures include relocating the existing bus stop on the north side and improving all three sets of traffic signals.

Councillor Steve Bridger, North Somerset's executive member for planning, highways and transport, said: "Many junctions along the A38 are running at capacity with knock-on effects for the safety of road users and pedestrians, as well as the well-being of those living nearby and local businesses whose operation depends on an effective and efficient local road network.

"These planned improvements seek to alleviate pressure points along the A38 and provide active travel plans so that the road can better serve the region.

"It's also vital the plans consider environmental impacts of the scheme, so we can keep working towards our ambitious aims of carbon neutrality by 2030.

"We want to be sure that our plans meet the needs of our communities, and so we welcome the public to get involved and tell us what they think."

Councillor John Woodman, Somerset's cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "We're really pleased to be working in partnership on a package of measures which should make a big difference to those using this route regularly and local communities.

"We have identified what we consider to be the most pressing areas of concern along the route, but of course we need to hear what local communities think about this proposal and the key issues for them, so please do get involved."

To have your say on the proposals, visit www.a38mrn-engagement.com before August 1.

     

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