A1331 (A120-A133 Link Road)

A1331 Phase one - Works so far

Phase one of the A1331 work are being undertaken by Octavius Infrastructure. Work on the new A133 roundabout have now been completed. Having established the site compound at the start of the project, it has now been relocated to the northern side of the new A133 roundabout. The team are now working on creating the roundabouts which will ultimately become the accesses to the new Garden Community site.

A series of environmental surveys have also been completed, as have extensive utility diversion works. The pedestrian footpath along the northern roundabout has been completed, allowing for eventual connection to the walking and cycling lane of the A1331. Kerbs, gullies and streetlighting preparations have been completed ready to install new streetlighting columns. Our environmental team are on site regularly to monitor our ecological impact and have installed bat screens to protect bats from project traffic.

An update on the works to date can be seen in Octavius’ July project newsletter.

 

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, with £99.9milllion awarded to support the development of the Colchester Rapid Transit and the A1331.

To support sustainable planned growth in Colchcester, we need high-quality transport infrastructure to help manage additional traffic and ensure new development is well connectivity into the city. 

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 

A1331 - Phase 2

It is proposed that 'Phase 2' of the A1331 will be delivered as part of the Garden Community. Once developed it will provide a connection from Phae 1 to a new junction on the A120.

In accordance with adopted planning policy, before any development is permitted at the Garden Community a funding commitment for Phase 2 must be demonstrated. This plan-led approach will ensure that infrastructure is brought forward at the right time to support new housing growth.

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 city 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