Roads
One of the first things the Western Gateway Sub-national Transport Body was tasked with was identifying regional priorities for funding through the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Major Road Network (MRN) and Large Local Major (LLM) schemes. To do this, we invited our local authorities to put forward proposals.
After going through a prioritisation process, we submitted a shortlist to the DfT – and all of the proposed schemes were accepted. Since then, one of the projects has been withdrawn as it can be delivered through other means, and another is being thoroughly re-evaluated.
There may be another opportunity to bid for MRN and LLM funding in the future. If that happens, we’ll once again lead on prioritising schemes and submitting them to the DfT.
The latest road updates
A38 North Somerset – Majority of construction work is scheduled for 2026/27. Design & build contract to be awarded in Spring 2025 and updated scheme cost plans produced during detailed design in 2025.
A350 Chippenham Bypass (Phases 4 and 5) – Full Business Case approval received in January 2025. Main Construction works are now expected to start May 2025
A350 M4 Junction 17 Improvements – £1.2m Department for Transport contribution for 2024-25 received September 2024. Design and Full Business Case progressing.
A350 Melksham Bypass – Scheme currently on hold pending outcome of National Highways M4 to Dorset Coast Connectivity study (now published). Outline Business Case March 2026 at the earliest.
A4174 Ring Road – scheme development paused.
M5 Junction 9 – awaiting update.
Future work
One of our key stakeholders is National Highways, who operate, maintain and improve the motorways and major A roads across the region. We welcome the valuable insights NH officers bring to our Board meetings, and all of our projects.
We were grateful to have a National Highway officers on the project board for our Strategic Investment Plan, as they provided great insights into potential key road schemes, and ensuring the objectives were fairly weighted.
We will continue to support National Highways and monitor the outcome of the Road Investment Strategy as it transitions from Roads Period 2 to Roads Period 3 this financial year. And we will review potential opportunities as and when new road strategies emerge, such as the M4 to Dorset Coast Strategic Study.