ROADS bosses have given the go-ahead to widen the A12 Colchester bypass.

The project had been included in the 2015 road investment strategy but Roads Minister Jesse Norman has now given the plans the thumbs up. 

It means - coupled with separate plans to widen the road between Marks Tey and Chelmsford and from Chelmsford to London - there will be three lanes of traffic from junction 29, at the Ardleigh interchange, to and from the capital.

The Department for Transport will now release the bypass widening plans for consultation and work could start in 2020.

Transport Minister Jesse Norman said: “Road users across England should soon be seeing the benefits of these improvements in their daily lives, which are designed to link people better with their jobs, friends, family and local amenities, as well as connecting businesses with customers.

“Over the next six months we expect to roll out our vital upgrade plan - taking next steps on £6.1 billion-worth of schemes and seeking to hear from local people, organisations and businesses to help shape our plans and ensure they benefit communities.

“Road users will also see proposals to increase capacity at the A12 Colchester Bypass to reduce delays.”

The plans have been welcomed by Colchester MP Will Quince, who said the plans are vital to attracting business to the town.

He said: “The A12 is an artery which runs through the entire region and it is massive for Colchester.

“Investment in transportation and infrastructure is one of the biggest things businesses take into account before perhaps relocating to, or setting up in, Colchester, especially with our proximity to Stansted as well as the port of Harwich and Felixstowe”

He added: “Of course, this is long overdue because plans evolve and change over time but I think the key thing here is the allocation of the money - it is now there and the next stage is to put a timescale on it.”

The scheme will be carried out by Highways England.

Jim O’Sullivan, Highways England Chief Executive, said: “Highways England is committed to delivering the government’s investment programme to improve the strategic road network.

“These milestones are critical elements of our current work and we are extremely pleased that we are on track to deliver them.”

Edmund King, AA president, added: “Drivers will welcome this much needed investment on some of the nation’s most important routes.”

“As well as increasing capacity and smoothing traffic flow, we believe that significant road safety benefits can be to be achieved especially with the A1 improvements.

“Following full consultations we hope that the proposed upgrades can be made quickly so drivers can reap the benefits.”

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said: “The first five-year road investment strategy reassured millions of drivers and businesses that their long-term travel needs were at last being taken seriously and provided for.

“But the fear has always been that road programmes, like the morning mists, have a tendency to fade away before our eyes.

“This latest unveiling is therefore a particularly welcome demonstration that the promised money is not only available but is being spent on schemes that really matter, and that our calls to remember the local roads — where our journeys begin and end — are being heard.”

'Unlocking Essex's potential'

COUNTY Council bosses have welcomed the Government pledge. 

Kevin Bentley, deputy leader of Essex County Council and the cabinet member responsible for economic growth, said: “The A12 is the transportation backbone of Essex, so widening it to three lanes will have a huge impact that will help unlock the county’s true economic potential.

“Accidents on the county’s roads cause delays and congestion, which make journey times longer and increase costs for businesses, which in turn damages the local economy.

“By investing in our roads we can reduce congestion and more importantly improve safety, which will help make Essex a safer place for drivers, and a more attractive place to do business and drive economic growth.”

Preferred options for the M25 to Chelmsford and from Chelmsford to Marks Tey plans are expected to be announced over the summer. 

Mr Bentley added: “All Essex authorities affected by these plans gave their full backing to the proposed upgrades and are keen for work to begin as soon as possible.

“We urge the Government not to delay as they will be the first improvements to the A12 for more than a generation.”