Gilden Way Upgrading, Harlow

The scheme consists of widening and improvements to 1.8 kms of the existing two-way, two lane, Gilden Road, Harlow to provide access for the new housing development at Harlowbury and to provide a link to the proposed new Junction 7a on the M11.

Scheme summary

The scheme commences at the London Road roundabout and involves widening the existing two lane road to three lanes. When completed, two of the lanes will take westbound traffic into Harlow and the third lane will take eastbound traffic out of Harlow to a new roundabout on Sheering Road. The proposed widening fits within the existing public road corridor and no part of the improvement works encroaches upon the adjoining properties, or private land.

Pedestrians and cyclists

The proposal will lead to the widening and upgrade of the existing footway along Gilden Way to accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists. To ensure the safety of all categories of road users, the proposal includes additional signalised crossings for non-motorised traffic to improve connectivity and the scheme will not close or sever any existing Public Rights of Way.

Drainage

The works will include a robust drainage solution to limit peak discharges into receiving streams to a level no worse than the existing rates. Infrastructure for the drainage will utilise limited land currently in the ownership of Harlow District Council and outside of the highways corridor.

Minimising disruption

To minimise disruption, the works will tie into existing levels with no need for significant earthworks. Works will also include reconfiguration of existing junctions, roundabouts and egress points to improve safety and traffic flow efficiency. A signage strategy aimed at preventing rat-running through the residential streets, and, in particular Mulberry Green, without impacting on existing bus routes, will be put in operation. As part of the drive to improve safety, the scheme plans to reduce the speed limit from 60mph to 40mph on Gilden Way. The scheme will involve replacement lighting, additional noise barriers and the upgrade of other infrastructure such as kerbs, pavement and road markings. A number of existing underground utilities will need diverting.

£579m of investment to East Sussex, Essex, Kent, Medway, Southend and Thurrock

In total the SELEP Growth Deal with Government has brought £579m of investment to East Sussex, Essex, Kent, Medway, Southend and Thurrock. Over the lifetime of the Growth Deal (2015-2021) we aim to deliver 78,000 jobs and 29,000 homes across the SELEP area, with the Deal set to attract a further £960m of investment into the South East over the six year period.

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