Upgrade to major M5 motorway link road delayed

The road connects the Chelston roundabout to junction 26 of the M5.

A major upgrade to the A38 between Wellington, Somerset and the M5 now won't happen until late 2024.

Somerset County Council received nearly £5m from the Department for Transport (DfT) in July 2020 to upgrade and resurface the roundabout at junction 26 and the Chelston Link Road to Wellington.

The scheme has been repeatedly delayed since this announcement, with the funding absorbed into the new Somerset Council when it set its first budget in February 2023.

Council officers now say discussions are ongoing to ensure the project does not clash with other major roadworks and the project has been put back.

Cost to be examined

After Somerset Council declared a financial emergency in early-November, all major capital projects – including major road improvement schemes – are being reviewed to ensure value for money.

A council spokesman said: “These are major and complex works that will ensure the road remains usable for years to come, but will take some time to complete.

“Given inflation pressures, we need to consider how the scheme can be delivered in the most cost- effective and environmentally friendly way.

“Critically, we must also avoid any clash with other local and national works, and are in discussions with National Highways to identify a suitable schedule.”

Since the funding was originally awarded, new major developments have been approved nearby, including the creation of a new business park and associated wetlands and the approval of a new KFC drive-thru.