Work on a major project to upgrade the busy Dunball roundabout linking Bridgwater and Junction 23 of the M5 is set to start next month.

Construction on the scheme is scheduled to begin on 11 November. It aims to make it easier to walk and cycle at the roundabout as well as improving traffic flow and capacity. It is being delivered by contractor Centregreat, following a tendering process.

The total value of the project and associated active travel schemes is £10.7 million, and is wholly funded by ring-fenced Government and partner funding, and developer contributions. The condition of the funding is that it must be used to deliver the Dunball upgrade.

The project will see the roundabout improved and signalised with the addition of a ‘throughabout’ lane which allows traffic to flow through the middle of it for greater capacity, with the aim of easing peak traffic flow through this crucial route which links the town to Junction 23 of the M5, along with the Gravity Smart Campus in Puriton, site of the proposed Agratas Gigafactory which is set to create 4,000 jobs in Somerset.

Dunball’s pedestrian and cycling improvements will be part of a complete active travel route along the A38 corridor, which will stretch from the Gravity site to the town centre.
A significant part of this A38 active travel corridor has already been completed or is underway, including the recently finished active travel route from Dunball through Express Park along the riverbank to Saltlands Bridge, and the next section from Saltlands bridge along the riverbank to the docks which also allows access to the town centre and is due to complete in the autumn.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Digital, said:

This is a vital project at a very busy interchange where there can sometimes be significant delays for road users during peak times, and it is also very difficult to access for pedestrians and cyclists.

Improving traffic flow at this roundabout is vital for the county’s continued economic growth, with massive investment set to come to Bridgwater in the coming years.
Dunball comes at a busy time for Bridgwater with major ongoing work on two important schemes in the area – the Celebration Mile and Agratas power supply works.
These projects represent a big investment in the area, but also bring significant pressure on the road network in and around Bridgwater.

Ideally, the work would be staggered, but all the projects are highly time-sensitive and in the case of Celebration Mile and Dunball, funding must be spent within a certain timescale.

This is a challenging time and we understand there will be concerns locally. We will be working hard to ensure works can be coordinated in a way that reduces disruption as much as possible.
Ultimately this is about an incredibly positive future for Bridgwater and Somerset.

Most of the improvements will be done with lane closures and temporary traffic signals in place but the scheme will require some short-term evening closures of the link road between the Dunball roundabout and J23 in early 2025.
People will still be able to enter and exit the M5 via J23 following diversion routes. Advanced notice will be issued, and diversion routes published as soon as possible. The team will do its utmost to minimise disruption on the network.

As well as a contribution from Government, the Dunball scheme has been funded jointly by developer contributions, the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), National Highways, and Bridgwater Town Deal.

A local engagement event is planned nearer the start date for the public and businesses to come and find out more about the project. Details will be shared soon.

Summary of ongoing major works in Bridgwater area:
• Agratas power supply works: This is work on several roads in Bridgwater needed to connect the battery cell facility in Puriton to the Bridgwater substation. These include some closures and traffic management and are expected to continue into early spring next year, including some work on Puriton Hill.
• The Celebration Mile: Bridgwater’s Celebration Mile, a walking, and cycling route between the station and the town centre is continuing apace. This also involves road closures and traffic management and is set to complete autumn 2025.

The Council’s Streetworks Team is working closely with the contractors on all three schemes to minimise disruption for residents and businesses when work commences on Dunball.
The team is constantly reviewing traffic management with the contractor working for Agratas and making changes where possible. However, a level of disruption is unavoidable.
Somerset Council will be giving as much notice as we can when there is significant disruption, to allow people to plan and to promote alternative routes where possible.

Keep up-to-date with projects, live traffic and roadworks by visiting Roadworks and travel information (somerset.gov.uk) and follow @travelsomerset on X and Facebook.