One of the five initial options to improve the Army and Navy junction has now officially been discarded after landmark works to remove the flyover were completed.
The flyover removal project started in February and the steel and concrete structure was taken down section by section before being transported away for dismantling and recycling. All 15 of the structure's spans were removed overnight to minimise traffic disruption, while the two ramps were broken up and removed on successive Sundays during the day to avoid excessive noise at night.
Works to remove the structure itself were completed in mid-March, with follow-on activity to close off the crossover areas and make the site safe finished last week.
In the meantime, as part of the option review process, one of the five initial options for the junction has now been discounted. Essex County Council has decided that minor road layout improvements would not go far enough in reducing congestion and delays at the junction, or in helping to create the required capacity for sustainable transport modes.
The four remaining options undergoing further assessment are:
- Hamburger Roundabout
- Enlarged Roundabout
- Two-way Flyover
- Separate T-Junctions
More detailed modelling, testing and refinement of the options will continue before a revised shortlist of potential solutions goes to full public consultation in 2021, which will help identify a preferred option.
With Chelmsford continuing to grow, other roads in the city centre already near capacity and a lack of space, the council is also looking at how it can encourage more people to think differently about how they travel, particularly for shorter journeys which are currently made by car. The Department for Transport has also stressed the importance of sustainable transport infrastructure in any solution.
A broader package of cycling, walking and bus improvement measures is therefore being developed to complement the scheme and will form a vital part of the project. This could include a new Park and Ride site and/or expansion of the existing Sandon Park and Ride, improved bus priority on Parkway, a new Chelmsford parking strategy and improved walking and cycling facilities at the junction itself.
Essex County Council has been boosted by the announcement in the Spring Budget that the project has been approved to proceed to the next stage of development for consideration for Government funding.
Cllr Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “The Army and Navy flyover was a feature of Chelmsford for more than 40 years and its removal is a hugely significant change to the city’s skyline that many people have welcomed.
“With the structure now removed, I want to reassure people that we are continuing to work incredibly hard on a long-term solution for this vital junction, despite the challenging circumstances currently facing everyone.
“Our project team are working from home, as per Government guidelines, and we are doing everything possible to keep the project on track.
“As a result of that ongoing work, we have now made the decision to drop the minor road layout improvements option as it simply isn’t ambitious enough. The Army and Navy is a crucial gateway to the city and we want a scheme that will create a lasting and sustainable legacy well into the future.
“We understand people want a solution as quickly as possible and steps are being taken to speed things up wherever we can, however we must also follow Government processes and ensure we achieve the right solution for Chelmsford.”
For more information about the Army and Navy project and the various options under consideration, please read our online public information brochure.