FUNDING for major road and rail schemes in Somerset – including Wellington train station and improvements to the A38 near Burnham-on-Sea – has been given the go-ahead.

The Government has announced cash for the county projects as part of a package of national road and rail investment.

They include improvements to the A38 between Burnham-on-Sea and Barrow Gurney – a joint project with North Somerset Council – subject to a Final business case, as well as the long-campaigned for new train station in Wellington.

Money has also been confirmed for accessibility improvements at both Yeovil and Castle Cary train stations.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council lead member for transport and waste services, said: “It’s great to get this confirmation of funding, we have lobbied hard to secure the money to improve a busy and vital stretch of the A38 in Somerset.

“We look forward to working with the Department For Transport (DfT) on understanding the next steps.

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“It is also fantastic news that the rail operator can move ahead with plans for a new train station at Wellington – we know how crucial this is in terms of rail connectivity which supports economic development, as well as giving people more choice.

“We are grateful to Government for recognising the need for investment in Somerset’s transport network.”

MP Gideon Amos (Lib Dem, Taunton & Wellington) has backed the campaign for a new station in Wellington and welcomed news of funds from the Treasury – and in the Commons on Tuesday (July 9), he challenged Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander to confirm the project would be funded ‘in full’.

She said: “I can, today, announce new rail stations at Wellington and Cullompton in the South West, which will bring significant benefits to local communities.”

And replying to a further point from Mr Amos, she added: “I know that both towns (Wellington and Cullompton) have significant expansion plans, so those stations will be critical to giving local people access to jobs at major employment centres such as the one in Exeter.”

Wellington rail campaigners with Lord Hendy and MPs Gideon Amos and Richard Foord

Proposed A38 schemes in Somerset Council area include:

• Edithmead Roundabout near J22 M5: Creation of a through-about option with signalisation of all arms of the roundabout.
• Rooksbridge: Safety scheme comprising mainly road markings.
• Cross: Creation of a staggered junction design at Cross which has been discussed with relevant landowners.
• Strawberry Line Crossing: An improved crossing of the A38 at Shute Shelve
• Sustainable travel: Improvements to bus stops and pedestrian/cycling facilities at various locations.

Key proposed schemes in North Somerset

• Barrow Street junction: Revise existing layout of the northbound bus stop layby. Install MOVA traffic signal software.
• Barrow Lane/Hobbs Lane to Dial Lane: Construct the shared-use path using existing highway verge and footway space on the northern side of the A38. Construct a wider uncontrolled crossing between the shared-use path and Dial Lane. Complete works to improve visibility and safety at Barrow Lane junction. Introduce advance warning signage.
• West Lane to Airport Terminal Roundabout: Upgrade the shared-use path between West Lane and Airport Roundabout. Construct signalised crossing on the A38. Redesign A38 junctions with Downside Road and West Lane with signal control at both locations. Improve drainage to address existing issues by West Lane junction.
• Airport Terminal Roundabout to Silver Zone Roundabout: Construct a shared-use path between Airport Roundabout and Silver Zone Roundabout. Widen carriageway between the Airport roundabout and West Lane to provide a bus lane in the northbound direction. Re-design northbound approach to the Airport Terminal roundabout to provide a dedicated left-turn lane into the airport and two ahead lanes for northbound traffic; Improve drainage to address existing issues at Silver Zone roundabout.
• Langford area: Construct segregated cycle track between B3133 Langford Road junction and A368 Churchill Gate crossroads through kerb realignment and carriageway narrowing. Carry out works to upgrade drainage to tackle identified flooding issues and blocked watercourses.
• Star to Sidcot: Widen existing footway.