Plans to improve the busy Dunball roundabout in Bridgwater next to the M5 Junction 23 have moved a step closer as Somerset Council looks to appoint a contractor.

The project will see an upgraded roundabout with traffic lights at this key location for the town and M5, after a successful bid for Levelling Up Funds from the Government.

The Council this week started the process of identifying a contractor to carry out the work.
Work is expected to start later this year. Once complete, it should help manage peak time traffic flow, enable growth and development in the area and reduce the likelihood of traffic blocking back on to the motorway in future.

The plan will also see better pedestrian and cycling access as part the Council’s commitment to active travel and links into Bridgwater.

As well as a contribution from the Government’s Levelling Up fund, the scheme was funded jointly by the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Bridgwater Town Deal and National Highways.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, Lead Member for Transport and Digital said:

This is an important project at a very busy interchange. Sometimes there are significant delays for road users during peak times, and it is also very difficult to access for pedestrians and cyclists.

Delivering a new improved intersection at Dunball is vital for Bridgwater’s continued growth and development.

The Council is also in the early stages of seeking a contractor for a scheme to improve the Edithmead, M5 Junction 22 roundabout, which is part of the A38 corridor of schemes, referred to locally as the MRN project.

The scheme, subject to funding award from Government is a partnership between Somerset Council and North Somerset Council, and focuses on ten points along the A38, including junction improvements at Cross, the Strawberry Line crossing, and Edithmead Roundabout (M5 J22).

This has been included as part of the Dunball procurement process in order to maximise best value by employing economies of scale across multiple projects.

Keep up-to-date with travel information and major schemes at www.somerset.gov.uk/travel and follow @travelsomerset on Facebook and Twitter for updates on roadworks, traffic news and projects.