Drivers in Essex will see faster journeys, as the Government gives £15m for A127/A130 Fairglen Interchange upgrades.
As well as shorter car journeys, the upgrades will see improved safety, with the road currently seeing a higher than average number of collisions due to incorrect lane use.
The scheme will see the enhancements to the interchange and surrounding Fairglen and Rayleigh roundabouts, serving thousands of drivers every day. Basildon and Southend town centres are expected to see growth, as well as improved capacity for the route serving London Southend Airport and the Basildon Enterprise Corridor.
A significant milestone for drivers in Essex, the Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood visited the Fairglen Interchange in Essex to mark the approval of the scheme and learn how it will benefit the local economy.
The Government is determined to speed up the delivery of infrastructure across the UK, which includes expanding the UK’s road network for economic growth. As well as faster journeys, drivers are also set to benefit from improved road surfaces, thanks to a recently announced record £1.6 billion investment to fill the equivalent of seven million potholes and repair roads, including £45.8 million for roads in Essex.
“Drivers in Essex have experienced slow journeys for too long, which is not good enough for a key route to a major airport and economic hub.
“We’re giving this vital scheme the green light, and providing £15m, which will improve local journeys in Essex and boost the economy beyond.”
“As currently configured the Fairglen Interchange is a source of significant congestion and delays, adding to journey times and costs to residents and businesses, especially at peak hours.
“We therefore welcome the government’s announcement of new funding to deliver improvements and address these issues, which will in time offer much improved ease of movement through the interchange and facilitate planned growth in south Essex.”
“The improvements to the Fairglen Interchange have been long awaited, so I’m very pleased we’ve reached this important milestone with DfT confirming their cash injection so Essex County Council can go ahead an appoint contractors and get work started.
“This project is vital to unlocking future growth in south Essex and easing congestion for those that regularly travel in this area, including improving access for those who walk and cycle.”
This is part of the Government’s approval of four transformative schemes across the UK; the A350 Chippenham Bypass Phases 4 & 5 in Wiltshire, A647 Dawsons Corner and Stanningley Bypass in Leeds, South East Aylesbury Link Road (SEALR) in Buckinghamshire, and the A127/A130 Fairglen Interchange in Essex.
A total of £90m for the four schemes is being contributed by the Government, expected to generate millions more to the UK economy. This is part of the Government’s Plan for Change to renew infrastructure and raise living standards across the UK.
