The Roscommon Way Extension on Canvey Island was officially opened on 6th December 2011, which will deliver better access, less congestion and enable further development for the area. Essex County Council Chairman, Councillor Rodney Bass cut the ribbon to declare the extension officially open.
The scheme has been funded via the Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF) and Essex County Council. The County Council has worked in partnership with Castle Point Borough Council and other key organisations in South Essex to pursue opportunities to regenerate the borough, and in particular Canvey Island.
The Roscommon Way Extension is a new highway which will provide more direct access to the Charfleets Industrial Estate, supporting regeneration and growth in the area.
The scheme will also relieve congestion on Canvey Road and Long Road as commercial and industrial traffic will be diverted away from residential areas. The scheme will enable further development to take place and will assist in providing up to 1,650 additional jobs (Charfleets Estate intensification - 480 jobs; Charfleets Estate Extension - 500 jobs; and Northwick Road 550 – 670 jobs).
The County Council has taken great care to ensure that the scheme did not devalue the ecological importance of the site, as a section of Roscommon Way passes through one of England’s most important invertebrate sites – the Canvey Wick Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI). This is home to a number of protected species including the Great Crested Newt.
County Councillor Tracey Chapman, Cabinet Member for Highways & Transportation, said: “I am very pleased that this scheme has been completed. The extension is vital to the regeneration of Canvey Island, and an integral part of the general improvement strategy for the Thames Gateway region. I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in this scheme as well as local residents for their patience while this work has been taking place.”
Cllr Pam Challis, Leader of Castle Point Borough Council, said: “In conjunction with improvements currently being implemented at Sadlers Farm, this new road will significantly improve access and make the area more attractive to both existing businesses and potential new investors to Canvey. It will act as a catalyst for regeneration and growth at Charfleets Industrial Estate and areas to the south of Morrisons with the potential to create in the region of 1700 new jobs.”
County Councillor Ray Howard, Member for Canvey Island West, said: This improvement will take away the heavy commercial vehicles from residential areas of Canvey Road and Canvey Village, and will considerably lessen congestion on these roads. The improvement also provides better access to Charfleets Industrial Estate to create the extra jobs that Canvey desperately needs.”
In summary the Roscommon Way Extension Scheme will provide the following:
- A high quality strategic link to the Charfleets Industrial Estate via the new Charfleets roundabout
Congestion relief on Canvey Road and Long Road as commercial and industrial traffic is diverted away from residential areas
Increased future economic benefits in terms of providing for increased residential developments (4000 new homes by 2021), attracting increased business opportunities and providing more sustainable travel options generally
- A new bridleway along the entire length of the Roscommon Way Extension on the north and east side, providing a safe route for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders
A raised road level to provide a safe route off the island in the event of flooding
- A brand new football pitch for the Canvey Island Youth Football Club
- Easier access to the Superstore and other surrounding land, enabling further development opportunities to the south of the store
- Continued and enhanced protection of the natural environment through the relocation of wildlife.
Further information about the Roscommon Way Extension scheme can be found through the scheme information leaflet and exhibition boards. For those walking through the area, there are interpretative boards on site, which provide a further overview of the scheme.