North Somerset Council has entered a design and build contract with Octavius for a series of improvement works along the A38.

Funded by the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Somerset Council, the A38 Major Road Network is a project that looks to better connect communities by improving options for getting around – including by both active and sustainable travel – whilst also addressing journey reliability times and road safety along the A38 corridor.

The project includes works at nine locations along the A38 running between Barrow Street junction at Barrow Tanks and the Edithmead Roundabout (M5 J22), with Octavius undertaking the design and build of five works within North Somerset.

Somerset Council will appoint their own contractor to complete works at four locations between Sidcot and the Edithmead Roundabout. 

Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council, said “The A38 is an important route around our region that connects our communities by providing access between North Somerset, Somerset County, Bristol and beyond.

“As the population of the west of England is set to grow, it’s vital that we build capacity and resilience into our transport network so that our infrastructure serves local people in years to come. 

“The A38 Major Road Network improvements will help us seize opportunities for the future as people live and work in our area. With that in mind, it’s particularly important that these works include sustainable options for getting around including widening of walking and cycling paths and new crossings for the Strawberry Line. 

“We look forward to working with Octavius as we flesh out detailed designs for the A38 and hope to share more with our residents and road users soon.”

Chris Hudson, Operations Director at Octavius Highways, said, “This win is another addition to Octavius’ growing portfolio of local authority highway framework successes. The area is very busy, so among our key considerations are ways to minimise the work’s impact on the community, and where the opportunities lie to give something back and create social value.”

(Picture – Octavius)