Dunball roundabout improvements facing delays
Somerset Council say issues with inflation could push its completion date beyond February
Last updated 30th Aug 2023
Upgrades to a major Bridgwater roundabout just off the M5 could be delayed due to concerns about inflation.
Plans for a "through-about" route on the Dunball roundabout connecting the A38 to junction 23 of the M5 were scheduled to be completed by next February.
But Somerset Council say that the rising costs of the £5.3m scheme due to inflation mean they're reconsidering some of its designs - leading to a potential delay in its completion.
The potential delay comes after the council confirmed planned improvements to the Cross Rifles roundabout in Bridgwater town centre would not begin until the start of 2025.
The scheme was primarily funded by a grant from the government's levelling-up scheme, alongside funding from Somerset Council and Sedgemoor Town Council.
Plants in the middle of the roundabout have already been cleared since construction began in February, but further designs could now be considered.
The through-about involves building a new road through the centre of the roundabout, allowing traffic between to move straight across and free up space on the rest of the roundabout for other drivers.
It's hoped the new through road will reduce journey times for commuters, and encourage housebuilding and commercial development in the area.
New links for pedestrians and cyclists to and from Bridgwater are also planned.
The official Travel Somerset roadworks portal still lists the scheme as being due to finish on February 1, 2024 – but the council has confirmed that this may change.
A spokesman for Travel Somerset said that “the design is currently being finalised and this important stage has been completed within budget. "
“Inflationary costs are a well-documented issue within the UK construction sector and we are working with our supply chain to gain a full understanding of forecast construction costs," they added.
“We are not in a position to judge any potential impact on this project until we move into the next phase. We should shortly be able to provide an updated project time-line.”