Shape new bus service improvement plans for A38/A368 junction

Local people are being invited to have their say on proposals to transform a busy junction near Churchill, as part of North Somerset Council's Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

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

Notes to editors

About the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP)

The Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) supports our commitment to create a bus transport network that will become faster, more convenient, coordinated and better for the environment and your pocket than running a car.

In 2022 we received over £105 million from the Department for Transport (DfT) to improve bus services by 2025, with £48m set aside for capital improvements in North Somerset and a further £57.5m in revenue funding to be used across North Somerset and the West of England Combined Authority region. This was the second largest grant in the country.

Working in partnership with the West of England Combined Authority, our local BSIP supports our vision to encourage everyone to 'walk or wheel' where possible, helping to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2023. When that's not possible, bus travel is encouraged to be the first choice over car usage, helping ease traffic congestion and creating a greener way to travel. We are delivering this programme by working closely with local bus operators.

The new package of more frequent and reliable services and lower fares has resulted in a 19% increase overall in bus patronage since April 2023, across our local network, with a 24% increase in the inter-urban corridors.

· Our BSIP has already funded new bus lanes on the Long Ashton Bypass and the A38 at Barrow Gurney to ease traffic to and from Bristol International Airport and on the A369 at Beggar Bush Lane where smart traffic lights have also been installed to detect and prioritise buses.

· A new bus stop has been installed at Worle National Rail Station for the A3, with links to the West Coast main line.

· The X5 has been re-routed to serve Congresbury, Yatton and Kenn on-route to Clevedon and Portishead, reconnecting the residents to these key areas.

· The X4 now runs every 20 minutes, up from 30, due to a BSIP subsidy of £380,000 a year (until March 2025).

· X1 now runs every 15 minutes Monday to Friday and every 20 minutes on Saturday evening and services on Sundays are still running every 30 minutes.

· The £2 bus fare cap for all passengers continues until December 2024.

· Launched free travel offers including the Birthday Bus fare offer in partnership with the West of England Combined Authority.

· Launched a trial WESTlink service - an innovative demand-responsive transport trial designed to take passengers from areas less well served by buses and connect them to key bus corridors.

· Infrastructure improvements that reduce journey times will make buses more reliable, frequent and attractive for customers, reduce the number of cars on our roads, improve local air quality, and help us meet our 2030 net zero target.

· New and upgraded transport hubs, modern bus shelters, rapid electric vehicle charging, and better cycling and pedestrian facilities, are also planned for key areas in North Somerset under BSIP.