Galliford Try appointed to £66.5m Banwell bypass contract

Galliford Try, the UK construction group, announces that its Infrastructure business has been appointed to a contract worth £66.5m to complete the Banwell bypass project on behalf of North Somerset Council.

The project, which is funded through the Homes England Housing Infrastructure Fund and has been secured through the Procure Partnerships Framework, will relieve traffic on the A38 route towards Weston-super-Mare from the current pinch point north of Banwell village, unlocking the potential for future housing development. The scheme will also see the creation of new walking, cycling and horse-riding routes.

The scheme follows on the back of recent contract wins for the Infrastructure business, including the South East Aylesbury Link Road, and the finalisation of the A47 schemes at Tuddenham and Blofeld in Norfolk.

 “We are delighted that our Infrastructure business has been awarded another significant bypass project in the Local Authority sector, a core focus for our Sustainable Growth Strategy. We look forward to working with North Somerset Council to deliver a high-quality scheme that will improve the lives of local people.”

David Lowery, Divisional Managing Director for Galliford Try Infrastructure

“We are delighted to have supported North Somerset Council on the procurement of this key infrastructure project, which will significantly improve transport routes for local people in North Somerset.

“The Banwell bypass will not only enhance connectivity but also provide long-term benefits to the community by unlocking future housing potential and promoting sustainable travel options. We look forward to working with Galliford Try and seeing this important project progress.”

Lauren Oxland, Key Account Manager, Procure Partnerships Framework

“It’s good news that Homes England have given another green light to the Banwell bypass, providing the funding boost we need to continue the work already underway to build the bypass.

“Not only does the scheme form an important part of our ambition to deliver £450m of capital investment into local infrastructure, but it is also supports further economic growth for our area and helps us to deliver on our Local Plan ambitions.

“It’s set to remove a notorious congestion pinch point from Banwell village, improving links between Weston-super-Mare and the A38, while also providing walking, cycling and horse-riding routes to help promote sustainable travel.

“This bypass has been almost a century in the making and – together – we have overcome twists, turns and other bumps in road, pulling out all the stops as we arrive ever closer to making the scheme a reality.“I’d like to thank everyone who has put in the work and shown their support so far. We now look forward to starting main construction ready for the bypass to open in early 2027.”

Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council and Executive Member for Major Projects