The Planning Inspectorate has approved National Highways’ application to upgrade the A12 in Essex between Chelmsford and Colchester. A 15-mile section of the A12 between junctions 19 and 25 will be extended from a two-lane dual carriageway to three lanes of traffic in each direction under the £1.2 billion plans.
Two large bypasses will also be built if the plans are approved. One will be near Rivenhall End and the other between Kelvedon North and the Marks Tey Interchange (junctions 24-25). The Planning Inspectorate will now conduct a six-month review of the plans. Later a recommendation will be made to the Secretary of State for Transport (currently Anne-Marie Trevelyan, MP for Berwick-upon-Tweed). Thus, he will make the ultimate decision on the development permission order (DCO).
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Comments on the upgrade of the A12 in Essex
“The scale of the work will transform one of the busiest road links in the east of England. Thus it will help to save road users who live, work, and travel in and around Essex a significant amount of time across their weekly commute,” said Phil Davie, project director for National Highways.
Anyone who lives in the area is familiar with the issue of traffic, notably huge freight vehicles, utilizing local roads as rat runs. This is unsafe and has a negative impact on the nearby villages and communities. This plan will redirect traffic back to the A12, where it belongs.
“This section of the country is quickly increasing, and our initiatives will assist to futureproof the area. This is in terms of increased housing and economic growth. The decision to accept the DCO proposal is a significant milestone for the scheme, not only for us as the project team, but for everyone who has supported and helped propel this project forward over the years.”
