×

Survey work underway on first phase of the new A120-A133 Link Road (the A1331)


11/03/2024
Latest News

Survey works are now underway to support the design of the first phase of the new A120-A133 Link Road (the A1331).

Running from the existing A133 to a new Allen’s Farm Roundabout the ‘A1331’ is the first element of infrastructure delivery to support the creation of new homes, as part of the Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community.

To enable this work, Octavius Infrastructure will be undertaking preliminary investigations and surveys on the site at the A133 Colchester Road/Clacton Road CO7 7BA from Slough Lane in the west up to Tye Road in the east.

During these works, there will be an off-peak traffic management system in place, with alternating lane closures. The road will not be closed at any time.

Read more

A1331 (A120-A133 Link Road)

Supporting future growth

In 2019, Essex County Council successfully bid for funding to help support planned housing growth across the county.

The council's bids to the Government's Housing Infrastructure Fund totalled more than £500 million, covering vital transport infrastructure improvements in Colchester, Harlow and Chelmsford.

To support sustainable planned growth, there is a need for high-quality transport infrastructure. This will help manage additional traffic and enhance the connectivity of future developments, as well as supporting public transport improvements.

The A1331 will enable important new homes and businesses to be developed to the east of Colchester as part of the 'Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community' development

Delivered in two phases, in line with the new development, the first phase of the new A1331 is being funded through the Goverment's Housing Infrastructure Fund and is due to be completed in 2026.

To keep up to date as the scheme progresses, please sign up to receive our newsletter. For any queries, please contact the project team by email at a1331@essexhighways.org

A1331 - Phase one 

Linking the A120 and A133 will enable people to access the A120 and A12 more easily, reducing the need to travel directly into Colchester and helping to manage congestion on local roads.

The A1331 will also help to unlock land to provide housing, business and leisure space. 

There will be approximately 25,000 new homes built within Tendring and Colchester by 2033, including the new Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community. This development will see 7,500 - 9,000 new homes as well as business, leisure and recreational spaces created over the coming decades. 

Ultimately forming part of the Garden Community, as it develops, the A1331 wIll create easier links to the wider road network, while also providing a connection to the new Colchester Rapid Transport System.

Following a tender exercise, Octavius Infrastructure has been appointed by Essex County Council to undertake detailed design work on the first phase of the new road. 

This phase will see a new roundabout created on the A133 east of the University of Essex, 1.8km of dual carriageway road and three junctions, between the A133 and a new ‘Allen’s Farm Roundabout’. 

Phase 1 of the planned A120-A133 Link Road

 

Scheme timeline

Rapid Transit System proposals

The successful Housing Infrastructure Fund bid also saw funding provided for the first elements of a new Rapid Transit System for Colchester.

This will see the development of a route running from the existing Park and Ride on the A12, through the town centre, heading east to the Tendring Colchester Garden Community and a proposed new 'Park and Choose' site. 

Park and Choose is an evolution of Park and Ride, creating a transport hub for people looking to access other forms of transport. For example, it could offer cycle storage and lockers, electric bikes, connections into the wider bus network as well as parking facilities.

What makes an RTS unlike other public transport is that will see high-frequency (every ten minutes or less) services on segregated or priority corridors, so meaning it takes priority over other traffic. 

For more information on the RTS and the ongoing works please visit our Rapid Transit website at www.essexhighways.org/colchester-rapid-transit