PLANS to improve a busy North Somerset traffic hotspot have been approved – with a junction set to become a roundabout.

A scheme to future-proof the A38/A368 crossroads between Churchill and Langford have been given the go-ahead by North Somerset Council.

It aims to help ease congestion, allowing traffic to flow more effectively, while 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 improve travel for drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and bus passengers.

The proposed design includes controlled crossings on all four arms for both pedestrians and cyclists and audible, tactile devices on the crossings, with work expected to start in the autumn.

The infrastructure improvements to the A38/A368 crossroads between Churchill and Langford 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 the 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.”

Before work begins, residents will have a final chance to submit formal comments on the proposed design as part of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) process.

Cllr Patrick Keating, the ward member for Bladgon and Churchill at the council, added: “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.”

The A38/A368 Churchill and Langford improvement scheme is funded by the UK government through the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).