Campaigners are calling for unity to secure vital Essex road improvements to drive the region’s future prosperity.

East Anglian Daily Times: Graphic showing the five route options for the A120 across Essex Picture: ARCHANT GRAPHICS UNITGraphic showing the five route options for the A120 across Essex Picture: ARCHANT GRAPHICS UNIT (Image: Archant)

Essex County Council announced yesterday its favoured route for a new A120 dual carriageway between Braintree and the A12 – and urged people to support the “shared vision”.

Council deputy leader Kevin Bentley said the preferred route was option D – a £475million route linking Galleys Corner to the A12 at junction 23, south of Kelvedon.

Making the announcement at Colne Valley Golf Club, Mr Bentley, who is responsible for infrastructure, said it offered the best solution to current problems.

“Our study work has demonstrated that for every £1 million spent on improving the A120, residents, road users and businesses will see £3,750,000 in benefits. Route D also delivers up to 15 minutes in journey time savings,” he added. “The current single-carriageway road is not fit for purpose and is often heavily congested, causing major issues, not only for drivers and businesses in Essex, but also those helping to fuel the UK economy through our nearby international ports and airports. Now is when the real work begins. This scheme is competing with dozens across the country for Government funding so it is vital that everyone unites behind a shared vision for an improved A120.”

Colchester MP Will Quince said it was the “most vitally important infrastructure project for north Essex”. “Now that the new route has been chosen, we must all get behind the plans to make sure we speak with one voice to the Government,” he added

David Burch, director of policy for the Essex Chamber of Commerce, said the A120’s current state was a major concern for businesses. “It’s the main link from the A12 to Stansted Airport, it’s used by many lorries, as well as smaller vehicles, and any time there’s an accident it becomes completely gridlocked,” he said. “We have been supportive of the campaign to improve the A120 and welcome the announcement that Essex County Council has a preferred route.”

The final decision on the A120 will be taken by Highways England in association with the Department for Transport.

An announcement on whether the scheme has been successful is expected next year - with work beginning as soon as 2026.

Visit A120 Essex for more information.