Weston Package

North Somerset Council's bid to the Department for Transport for extra money to improve transport in Weston-super-Mare was given the go ahead on 14 December 2011. Known as 'Weston Package' the investment will see £11 million (to boost the £4 million already pledged) to fund some significant transport improvement schemes for both drivers, bus passengers, cyclists and pedestrians.

Map of Weston Transport Package Phase 1.

The scheme includes:

  • Increased capacity at Junction 21 of the M5 - download M5 Junction 21 outbound scheme pdf for details
  • New bus link from Queens Way to the station
  • Bus priority along Elmham Way linking the regeneration areas
  • Widening Marchfields Way to complete the dual carriageway into town and provide new bus and cycle routes
  • New car park and bus interchange at Worle railway station

The bid was competitive and is one of several major transport schemes that Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire councils are working on together to improve local transport. You can find plans and more information at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/westonpackage and http://travelplus.org.uk/weston-package

To support the bid, North Somerset Council consulted with businesses and the general public to ask for support. You may have seen signs or press articles and details of the Weston Package on the council website. The consultation resulted in 42 letters of support from local and national businesses and organisations. This support from the business community has strengthened the bid considerably. In addition 372 people completed the online survey with 93% of respondents supporting the proposals.

Final work to complete the clearance of trees and vegetation at junction 21 has now been completed. (20 November 2012)

The timing of this work had to be carefully planned because all nesting wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. North Somerset Council has a legal obligation to ensure any scrub clearance takes place outside the bird-nesting season, and therefore programmed the works to begin in the autumn.

The cleared areas will be landscaped and re-planted once the main construction works are completed.

North Somerset Council have received final approval from the Department for Transport (DfT) for the Weston Package. Construction on all five Weston Package improvement schemes is due to begin on 8 April 2013.

Residents and businesses will be kept informed as the stages progress.

Latest news

You can view North Somerset Council's before and after videos to see what Junction 21 outbound road improvements will look like.

To receive e-newsletters giving up-to-date information on the progress of the Weston Package please email: weston.package@n-somerset.gov.uk or download the pdf Weston Package newsletter May 2013.

For other business information or advice contact the Economic Development Service.