Broadband and Ethernet near the A38/A368 junction could be off for much of Sunday 18 October while Openreach moves cables for the Churchill crossroads scheme.

Homes and businesses around the A38/A368 junction between Churchill and Langford could lose broadband for much of Sunday 18 October, Openreach has warned, while its engineers move network equipment out of the way of the council’s crossroads upgrade.

Openreach said the “essential engineering work” was being done “at the request of North Somerset Council” and “could affect broadband and Ethernet services across a wide area”.

What Openreach says is happening

In its notice to us, Openreach said: “We need to relocate some of our network equipment (such as cables) to make way for the ongoing A38/A368 junction upgrade. We know how important staying connected is, so we’re sorry that some residents and businesses could be without service for much of the day.”

The company marked the affected area on a map and said the work “may impact only some” people in North Somerset. It did not list streets or postcodes.

“Our engineers will be working to restore services as quickly and safely as possible, and very early on Sunday AM,” Openreach said. “Anyone who relies on their broadband connection on Sunday should consider making alternative arrangements.”

It added that its wholesale customers, “the providers that people pay their broadband bills to”, have been told about the work in advance.

What it means for you

  • If you live or work near the Churchill crossroads, your broadband could be off for much of Sunday 18 October.
  • Plan around it: Openreach’s advice to anyone who relies on their connection on Sunday is to make other arrangements before the work starts early that morning.
  • Ask your own provider (the company on your bill, not Openreach) whether your line is in the affected area. Openreach says they have already been notified.
A two-lane country road lined with hedges and telegraph poles, curving away towards a house
The A368 Dinghurst Road near Churchill, one of the four roads meeting at the junction. Photo: Philip Halling, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Geograph

Why the junction is being rebuilt

The cable move is part of North Somerset Council’s scheme to turn the crossroads where the A38 and A368 meet into a roundabout with smart traffic signals. Work began on Monday 18 May and the council expects it to finish in early 2027.

The council’s plans include:

  • smart signals on all four approaches, giving priority to buses and the A38;
  • four controlled crossings, one on each arm, for people on foot and on bikes;
  • new pavements around the junction;
  • a bus-only lane on the west side so buses on the A368 Dinghurst Road can reach the bus stop, also open to community minibuses;
  • five semi-mature trees planted to replace some of those removed.

The council says the current junction “is already at capacity” and often congested at peak times. Cllr Hugh Malyan, its cabinet member for highways and transport, said when work started: “This scheme will enhance the operation of the A38/A368 junction for all users, reducing delays, improving safety and supporting travel by bus, on foot and by bicycle.”

Traffic management on the scheme includes lane closures, two-way signals and a week of night works at the end, in early 2027, the council says. Current restrictions are on One Network, and our North Somerset roadworks page carries the week’s closures across the district.