Five projects designed to improve highway capacity, cycling and safety improvements between Chelmsford and Harlow have been given the green light by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP).
The package of schemes will improve access to Harlow Science Park and the Enterprise Zone, which will support the delivery of 4,030 jobs and 910 homes, and includes the New Hall site off London Road.
SELEP’s Accountability Board has agreed to provide £2.17m towards the schemes, which will be matched by Essex County Council, to deliver the £4.34m project.
£3.31 economic benefit for every £1 spent
It is expected that every £1 invested in the improvements will deliver £3.31 of economic benefit, and will support SELEP’s objective of promoting steady, sustained growth over the next two decades.
Five highway improvement projects
The five projects on the A414 between Chelmsford and Harlow include:
- Widford Roundabout: extending the entry flair from A414 west to improve capacity
- Four Wantz Roundabout: resizing the roundabout, widening the approaches and improving lane designation, as well as introducing a new Toucan crossing
- The A1169 Southern Way to Clock Tower roundabout (A1025 Second Avenue): will be widened to two lanes
- Safety Improvements will be made to lighting, signing and lines identified through a recent safety audit
- Public Transport: Bus stop improvements, including new and upgraded shelters plus information and footways
Consultation with local communities
The improvements were identified through the Chelmsford to Harlow Route Based Strategy, undertaken by Essex County Council, and following consultation with the local community.
Christian Brodie, Chairman of SELEP, said:
“These five small schemes will come together to make a positive impact for residents and businesses in the area, and also help to improve the attractiveness of the Harlow Science Park and create significant new jobs.”
About SELEP
SELEP is the business-led organisation that champions economic growth across East Sussex, Essex, Kent, Medway, Southend and Thurrock. SELEP is one of 39 partnerships set up by the government to be the key body determining strategic economic priorities while making investments and delivering activities to drive growth and create local jobs.
It has already invested £134m of Local Growth Fund funding in more than 70 projects has been given approval to move forward. In addition, it Growth Deal round three settlement with the Government has added a further £102.65m to the working total, raises the impact by enabling the delivery of a further 6,000 homes and nearly 33,000 jobs. Importantly, £141m of additional private investment has been attracted to the area.