Council plan outlines investment in transport infrastructure
It includes increased investment in road safety schemes and public rights of way
Somerset Council’s Executive has this week approved a major transport investment plan, which aims to improve roads, bus services and walking and cycling routes, across the county.
The Local Transport Delivery Plan sets out how the Council intends to invest more than £283 million of government funding, between 2026 and 2030, in transport infrastructure and services.
The plan is a requirement of the Department for Transport, in order to access funding and provides the framework for delivering transport improvements across Somerset, over the next four years.
It includes local contributions to a proposed replacement B3191 Cleeve Hill Road for Watchet and repairs at Ansford Hill, which Somerset Council has submitted funding bids for, along with improvements on the A38, including the Edithmead Roundabout, also the focus of a grant bid.
The revised plan also includes increased investment in road safety schemes and public rights of way, alongside support for bus service improvements and better access to sustainable travel options.
The investment programme is designed to improve connectivity across Somerset, helping residents access jobs, education, healthcare and other services, while supporting safer and more sustainable ways to travel.
Somerset Council’s Executive Lead Member for Highways and Transport, Councillor Richard Wilkins, 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."
The full Local Transport Delivery Plan will be submitted, to the Department for Transport, before the end of October.