Image
Under the approved outline plans, the A38 Lime Kiln roundabout can now be reconfigured to better support local traffic growth, and improve travel experiences for all road users, including cars, cyclists, pedestrians and bus passengers, now and into the future.
The changes will form part of the wider, improved infrastructure needed to support additional traffic, in light of the new Banwell Bypass, proposed future housing developments, and the approved expansion of Bristol Airport.
The design changes to the junction have been directly shaped by community engagement and discussion on the early proposals, which were put out to public consultation for six weeks in February and March this year. Following feedback from the public and additional modelling work, an original proposal for a new bus lane on Colliters Way south has been removed from the design.
In light of the engagement, the infrastructure improvements set to be made to the junction also include:
- Enhanced walking, cycling and wheeling crossing facilities, including on the Colliters Way eastern arm
- Undertaking vital infrastructural work to improve the local drainage network in the area to alleviate surface water
- The expansion of the junction to include 140 metres of new bus lanes on the A38, complete with new bus gates and smart signals, complementing the existing road capacity to allow for greater traffic flow for all road users
- Improving the right turn facility and signage, for access to the local farm.
The formal Executive decision to proceed with the Lime Kiln scheme – which is being funded by UK Government through the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) – means preparations can now get underway for works to begin on site, with a provisional start date of spring 2025.
Further details of the works, including any traffic management measures to be put in place to mitigate disruption, can be shared at a later date.
Cllr Hannah Young, Executive Member for Highways and Transport at North Somerset Council, said: “I am very pleased to say that the Lime Kiln roundabout scheme of improvements will now be going ahead. With more people visiting, living and working in North Somerset it’s really important that we make changes to the road infrastructure in this location to cope with the increase in all forms of traffic.
“Thank you to everyone who took the time to feedback on our initial proposals – your insights have played a vital role in the scheme’s evolution. I realise that the disruption of roadworks can be very frustrating, so we’ve recently reviewed how we can learn from previous road schemes to make sure we are doing everything within our powers to minimise the impact in this location.
“Once complete, Lime Kiln will form an important part of our wider vision for delivering the vital infrastructure needed to support our communities today and tomorrow.”
The Lime Kiln scheme is paid for by funding secured from central Government which cannot be used to fund other council services such as road maintenance or additional services.
You can read more about the North Somerset Bus Service Improvement Plan by visiting the GOV.UK website.
Discover more about our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality by cutting traffic congestion through our Joint Local Transport Plan: Joint Local Transport Plan - Combined Authority (westofengland-ca.gov.uk)
