Somerset Council’s Executive has approved a Local Transport Delivery Plan setting out how more than
£283 million in Government funding will be invested in the county’s transport network up to 2030.

The plan covers investment in highway maintenance and improvements, bus services, road safety and walking and cycling infrastructure, including schemes in the Burnham-on-Sea area.

Required by the Department for Transport (DfT) before funding can be released, the plan provides the framework for delivering transport improvements over the next four years, with projects aimed at improving connectivity and access to employment, education and healthcare.

Among the schemes identified is the A38 corridor, with grant funding being sought for improvements at the M5 Edithmead Roundabout near Burnham-on-Sea.

The proposed Burnham roundabout scheme, which includes a lane running through the centre of the junction, is intended to improve traffic flows at the busy interchange.

The plan also places increased emphasis on road safety improvements and the public rights of way network, alongside investment in bus services and measures to encourage walking, cycling and other sustainable travel options.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Executive Lead Member for Highways and Transport, said the funding provided an opportunity to deliver improvements across the county’s transport network.

He said: “This plan sets out how we can make the best use of significant government investment to improve transport across Somerset.

“It supports a wide range of projects, from maintaining and improving our road network to investing in bus services, active travel and major strategic schemes.

“Our aim is to make it easier for people to travel safely and reliably, connect communities and support Somerset’s economy while creating more sustainable travel opportunities for the future.”

(Picture: Mapillary)