A multi-million pound overhaul of Burnham-On-Sea’s M5 roundabout at Junction 22 has moved a step closer after Somerset Council’s Executive Committee gave its approval this week.
The long‑planned improvements, which include A38 upgrades, have been developed jointly by Somerset Council and North Somerset Council, were endorsed by Government last year subject to a Final Business Case.
At Wednesday’s meeting, Somerset Council’s Executive signed off funding and contract arrangements for the Somerset section of the scheme.
The overall budget stands at just under £18.8 million, with £9 million expected from Government once the Department for Transport signs off the final business case.
The Executive approved £7.34 million of council funding, made up of Local Transport Grant allocations and underspend from previous major projects, alongside contributions from developers.
Among the headline improvements is a major redesign of the Burnham-On-Sea M5 roundabout, where new ‘throughabout’ traffic signals will route the heaviest flows directly through the centre of the junction to boost capacity and prevent queues backing onto the M5.
A signalised cycle crossing on the B3140 is also planned. Other works in the Somerset area include a safety scheme at Rooksbridge focused on road markings, a staggered junction layout at Cross, and visibility and signage upgrades at the Strawberry Line crossing.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Highways and Transport, said the authority had worked hard to secure Government support for what he described as vital improvements. He said the Edithmead upgrade would help the network cope with future economic and residential growth, while safety enhancements at key junctions would benefit all road users. He added that the Executive’s approval would allow work to begin as early as possible next year, subject to final Government sign‑off.
Contractor Centregreat will deliver the Edithmead roundabout scheme, having been procured through its existing contract for the Dunball J23 project. Somerset’s infrastructure partner Octavius will carry out the remaining improvements across the county. Work is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027 once funding is formally awarded.
The two councils have worked together to secure external funding for upgrades along the stretch of A38 from Edithmead to the South Bristol Link. Many junctions along the route are already operating close to capacity, with varying travel speeds, unreliable journey times, congestion at peak periods and challenges for pedestrians and cyclists.
The project aims to better connect communities with improved walking and cycling provision, enhance safety and journey times, support public transport access and strengthen the regional economy, while also enabling future housing delivery.
