Residents and businesses in Somerset and North Somerset are being invited to share their views on a series of proposed transport improvements designed to reduce journey times between the M5 and Bristol Airport. Somerset Council and North Somerset Council have been working on these plans for nearly four years, aiming to enhance the A38 from the Edithmead roundabout in Highbridge to the South Bristol Link, also known as Colliters Way.
As the councils finalize their business cases for the projects—having secured funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) in late 2024—they are seeking public feedback. This input will help shape the final designs and ensure the schemes address key transport concerns effectively.
Why Are These Road Upgrades Being Considered?
The major road network (MRN) proposals include ten key improvements, with four projects falling under the jurisdiction of Somerset Council. Many sections of the A38 are already operating at near-maximum capacity, causing:
- Traffic congestion during peak hours
- Slow journey times for motorists
- Safety risks at key junctions
- Difficult conditions for pedestrians and cyclists
The planned improvements aim to address these issues, making travel smoother and safer for all road users.
Public Opinion: A Mixed Response
The transport schemes have sparked a range of reactions from local residents, as seen in the Bristol Live comments section. While some believe the upgrades are necessary for better infrastructure, others argue the plans are a waste of public money.
Concerns Over Airport-Centric Planning
Some commenters feel that the improvements focus too much on access to Bristol Airport, rather than overall transport needs.
- Trivialpursuer: “This is all predicated on people wanting to go to Bristol Airport and, furthermore, wanting to drive there. Therefore, this scheme can be filed under W for Waste of Money.”
- MartH: “Now we are going to spend a lot of taxpayers’ money to make more profit for the airport’s non-UK owners. Unbelievable.”
Criticism of Airport Location and Planning
Several commenters believe that Bristol Airport should have been built in Filton, which had better transport links, rather than Lulsgate Bottom.
- Tris01: “Filton had one of the longest runways in the country and was right next to the M4 & M5 with a train station nearby. Instead, they built the airport in a location with poor transport links, and now they’re spending money to fix the issue.”
- Grockel1: “Other airports like Exeter, Birmingham, and Gatwick have decent infrastructure, but Bristol remains difficult to access.”
Support for Road Upgrades
Some residents argue that improvements to the A38 are long overdue and should not be dismissed as only benefiting airport travelers.
- Wrightflyer: “This country has always suffered from lack of investment in infrastructure. It is about time the A38 was upgraded, and it is not all about journeys to and from the airport.”
Alternative Suggestions
Some commenters have proposed different solutions to improve connectivity.
- Draintheharbour: “Option one: Spend tens of millions tinkering, mainly south of the airport, and achieve little. Option two: Draw a straight line to Junction 20 and build a dual carriageway.”
Questions About Cost and Justification
Others are questioning whether the investment is justified, given recent increases in travel costs.
- Hartley47: “With the huge price hikes from Bristol Airport’s major airline (now more expensive than flying from Heathrow), will the demand justify these investments?”
Next Steps: Have Your Say
The councils are encouraging local residents, businesses, and road users to review the current designs and provide feedback before final decisions are made. By participating in the consultation process, the public can help shape the future of transport infrastructure in the region.
Would you like to see improvements to the A38? Or do you think the money should be spent elsewhere? Now is the time to have your say and influence the final plans.
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