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Under the concept designs now open for comment, the current crossroads, where the A38 and A368 meet between Langford and Churchill, would be converted into a new roundabout with traffic signals. Once complete, the enhanced junction would tackle current delays, contributing to faster, more reliable and sustainable bus travel, improving travel conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, and supporting more effective traffic flow into the future.
The proposed A38 Churchill scheme replaces the crossroads with a roundabout that includes:
· Smart signals at all four approaches to the roundabout, which give priority to buses (the signals on Dighurst Road will be part-time), with the A38 having priority
· Adding four controlled crossings on each arm of the roundabout, to offer safer access for pedestrians and cyclists
· Installing new pavements, making it safer for pedestrians
· Creating bus lanes on the north and southbound A38 approaches (Bristol Road and New Road)
· Installing a northbound bus link with a bus gate, to allow buses travelling north on the A368 Dighurst Road to bypass the roundabout to join the A38
· Improving traffic flow, by reducing current traffic bottlenecks
· Mitigating for any potential changes in traffic flows from the new Banwell bypass, and possible future housing developments.
· Installing new bus stops after Ladymead Lane.
North Somerset Council’s BSIP has been funded by the UK Government’s Department for Transport (DfT) to deliver an ambitious programme of bus priority upgrades along the A38, A369 and A370 – key strategic routes for North Somerset, Bristol and the South West – by March 2025.
The A38 is currently served by the 62, 125 and Falcon bus routes, and one of the ambitions of the BSIP scheme is to create the conditions to implement and grow the bus services North Somerset communities want and need.
Cllr Hannah Young, Executive Member for Highways and Transport at North Somerset Council, said: “We’re keen to hear the views on our initial plans to improve the A38/A368 junction, particularly from the people who know and use these routes. The upgrades we’re proposing would help to address current delays by reducing queuing times for all traffic on all approaches, while, at the same time, increasing capacity to serve the growing demand for bus services into the future.
“I’d encourage anyone interested to take this opportunity to be part of improvements for the junction at an early stage, to feed into the formal design process.”
Roads Minister Guy Opperman said:
“Local people deserve a modern, reliable, and affordable public transport system. I'm delighted to have worked alongside the local council and local MPs to give North Somerset Council and the West of England Combined Authority over £105 million to boost local bus services.
“This is a fantastic result for passengers across North Somerset, who will be given a say on how they can help build a new roundabout to improve journey times, tackle traffic and ensure local bus services are more punctual and reliable.”
Complete the survey online by visiting Public transport improvements - Churchill - North Somerset Council Consultations (inconsult.uk)
Read more about North Somerset’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) at https://n-somerset.gov.uk/my-services/parking-travel-roads/transport-travel/bus-travel/bus-service-improvement-plan