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The Churchill scheme aims to help ease congestion, allowing traffic to flow more effectively, whilst enhancing current and future bus services. Under the approved outline plans, the existing crossroads will be converted into a roundabout with smart traffic lights, to better support local traffic growth and improve travel experiences for all road users, including cars, cyclists, pedestrians and bus passengers, now and into the future.
Engagement with the community on the scheme proposals took place throughout 2024. Following feedback from the public and additional review and analysis through the 2024 Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) pause and review period, the proposed design now includes controlled crossings on all four arms for both pedestrians and cyclists and audible, tactile devices on the crossings.
The infrastructure improvements to the crossroads include:
- converting the crossroads where the A38 and A368 meet between Langford and Churchill into a new roundabout with new smart traffic signals. This change would allow the junction to function more fluidly, so supporting a higher volume of traffic than is possible currently.
- the smart signals at all four approaches to the roundabout would give priority to buses with the A38 having priority.
- having four controlled crossings on each arm of the roundabout, to offer safer access for pedestrians and cyclists.
- installing new pavements to make the junction safer for pedestrians.
- creating a bus lane northbound on the A38.
- installing a bus link with a bus gate on the west side of the roundabout, enabling buses traveling on the A368 Dinghurst Road to bypass the roundabout and merge directly onto the A38.
Cllr Hannah Young, Executive Member for Highways and Transport at North Somerset Council, said: "I am pleased to announce that work on the Churchill roundabout improvement scheme can now move forward. With North Somerset seeing an increase in visitors, residents, and workers, we need to adapt our road infrastructure to meet the demands of all forms of traffic.
“Thank you to everyone who provided feedback, your insights have been invaluable in shaping this project. We understand that roadworks can be disruptive, and we are committed to doing everything possible to minimise their impact during construction.
“The changes will form part of the wider, improved infrastructure needed to support additional traffic, considering the building of the new Banwell Bypass, approved and proposed future housing developments, and the impact of increasing use of Bristol Airport.”
Work on the new layout is expected to begin this autumn. Before works start, residents will have a final opportunity to submit formal comments on the proposed design as part of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) process, which will be made available through the council website.
Cllr Patrick Keating, Ward Member for Bladgon and Churchill, said: “I'm pleased that the approved scheme to upgrade the Churchill junction has taken into account the views and concerns of residents, and I look forward to continuing to work with the council and the local community as the scheme moves forward."
With these future developments in the pipeline, more people travelling by bus helps to reduce pressure on the road network, making better use of limited road space and improving journey times for all road users. Enhanced bus services can carry a larger number of passengers more efficiently than individual private vehicles and often provide a more affordable travel option.
The Executive member decision to approve the scheme can be viewed at: January 2025 executive member decisions | North Somerset Council
A legal Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) will be published to legally advertise changes to the highway around 12 weeks before any works are due to begin. The TRO period offers residents a further and final opportunity to submit any formal comments.
The A38/A368 Churchill and Langford improvement scheme is funded by UK government through the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) as part of a wider approach to developing North Somerset’s strategic road network. The conditions of this funding mean it cannot be used for any non-BSIP related council activities or services.
Included in the work plan, the council will carry out highway maintenance in the area. This includes road resurfacing, drainage upgrades, improved traffic signals at crossings, and enhanced street lighting to benefit all users. By incorporating these essential upgrades into the scheme, local maintenance budgets are freed up to be spent on other priority areas across North Somerset.
You can read more about the North Somerset Bus Service Improvement Plan by visiting: https://n-somerset.gov.uk/bsip