Somerset Council's A38 Road Upgrade Remains Funded but Scaled Back

Somerset Council, working with North Somerset Council, is proceeding with the A38 major road network programme that aims to improve the route between the M5 motorway and Bristol Airport. The plan includes converting the Edithmead roundabout near Highbridge into a signalised ‘throughabout’ to ease traffic flow and enhance safety. Despite Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s announcement of a £15 billion increase in defence spending, the council confirmed that funding for the A38 scheme will not be affected.

Separately, a proposed full signal‑controlled crossing at Shute Shelve on the A38 near Axbridge – a key point on the Strawberry Line cycle route used by over 150,000 people annually – has been scaled back after local resident feedback. The council will implement smaller safety improvements instead, reallocating part of the original funding to other elements of the programme.