M5 junction 22 roundabout upgrade moves step closer

A major £18.8 million package of road improvements centred on the busy Edithmead roundabout at M5 Junction 22 has moved a step closer after receiving backing from Somerset Council.

The scheme forms part of wider plans to improve the A38 between Burnham-on-Sea and Barrow Gurney, a route used by commuters, businesses and travellers heading to Bristol Airport.

The project is being delivered jointly by Somerset Council and North Somerset Council.

Somerset Council's Executive Committee this week approved funding and contract arrangements needed to progress the works, with construction expected to begin in early 2027 if the final business case receives approval from the Department for Transport.

The overall budget is just under £18.8 million.

Around £9 million is expected to come from central government, subject to final approval, while Somerset Council has agreed to provide £7.34 million through a combination of Local Transport Grant funding and underspends from previous major schemes.

Additional funding will come from developer contributions.

The most significant Somerset element of the project is the proposed revamp of the Edithmead roundabout, located close to Burnham-on-Sea at Junction 22 of the M5.

Plans include the introduction of so-called “throughabout” traffic signals, designed to allow the heaviest traffic flows to pass through the centre of the roundabout more efficiently.

The aim is to improve capacity and prevent queues backing up onto the motorway. A new signal-controlled crossing for cyclists on the B3140 is also included.

Other improvements planned along the Somerset section of the A38 include a safety scheme at Rooksbridge, changes to the junction layout at Cross, and upgraded signage and visibility measures at the Strawberry Line crossing.

The A38 is part of the country's Major Road Network and serves as a key link between communities in Somerset and North Somerset, as well as providing an important connection to Bristol Airport.

Council documents state that several junctions along the route are already operating close to capacity, contributing to delays, unreliable journey times and congestion during peak periods.

The plans are also intended to improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists and address road safety concerns.

Somerset Council's Lead Member for Highways and Transport, Councillor Richard Wilkins, said: “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.”

“This week’s Executive approval will help ensure work can start as early as possible next year pending final approval from Government, with contract arrangements now in place.”

The Edithmead roundabout work will be carried out by contractor Centregreat, which previously delivered the nearby Dunball Junction 23 scheme.

The remaining Somerset improvements will be delivered by the council's infrastructure partner, Octavius.

The wider project aims to improve journey times, boost safety, provide better walking and cycling links, improve access to public transport and support future housing and economic growth along the corridor.

If government funding is formally approved, work is expected to begin during the first quarter of 2027.