BRIDGWATER could get a new northern bypass to improve traffic flow – but it may not happen until 2032 at the earliest.

Sedgemoor District Council has approved a strategy which lays out the future transport needs of the district up to 2050.

The strategy will now be taken forward to Somerset County Council to adopt it as part of its official transport policy.

Major schemes proposed for the Bridgwater area include a northern bypass linking with the A39 near Cannington, re-purposing the Hinkley C park and ride sites, improved pedestrian and cycling routes, upgrading the Taunton Road/Broadway junction, further work on Northgate and The Clink to accommodate the new development there.

Elsewhere Bristol Road and Wylds Road will have a new roundabout to replace the existing junction rather than adding an additional access road to the existing set-up, options are being looked at for Cross Rifles roundabout with a view to improving pedestrian safety as well as cutting congestion and journey times.

Also in the proposal are plans to upgrade the signals at Western Way and Chilton Street, while Whitegate roundabout could be replaced in the long run with a signalised junction to “improve its overall function and reliability” for all road users.

In North Petherton, work will be done to see whether on-street parking can be better managed or even reduced to mitigate congestion on the A38.