M11 Junction 7a

How the Link Road has evolved

Original planning permission for the M11 Junction 7A scheme was granted in July 2017. This permitted the construction of Junction 7A with the scheme set out in three phases: 

• Phase 1: to widen and improve Gilden Way;
• Phase 2A: to provide the new motorway junction, together with the southern arm of the link road and the new Campions Roundabout that connects the new junction to Lower Sheering Road;
• Phase 2B: to provide the northern arm of the link road, between Campions Roundabout and Junction 7A, and the new Pincey Brook roundabout, which forms part of that northern arm.

The southern arm of the link road was originally designed to carry westbound traffic along a two-lane road from the new Junction 7A towards Harlow, with the northern arm carrying eastbound traffic from Harlow towards the new junction.

Advanced works and services diversion for Phase 1 of the scheme commenced on Gilden Way in May 2018 and were completed in November 2019. 

However, the development requirements set out in the emerging ‘local plans’ of the surrounding district council areas are now such that Phase 2B, which enables the later connection of the new Junction 7A to a Northern Bypass road to north Harlow, is not required in the short-to medium-term.

As such Phase 1 and Phase 2A of the scheme have been constructed, except for the southern arm of the Link Road; which has been replaced by an alternative dualled Link Road scheme (two lanes in each direction) that facilitates two-way traffic.

This will enable the Junction to operate effectively until such a time as there is more certainty over planned growth to require Phase 2B. 

Walking and Cycling provision

While the focus of the M11 Junction 7A has been the creation of a new motorway junction to help alleviate traffic within Harlow, walking and cycling provision is an important part of the wider scheme.

Travelling from the London Road roundabout along the widened Gilden Way, new segregated provision is being provided to the Churchgate Roundabout. From this point cyclists can connect into the wider network or continue along a new Gilden Way cycleway constructed as part of the Gilden Park development.

Once operational, cycling will not be permitted along the newly created link road which will be carrying traffic directly from the M11 and as such no walking and cycling provision has been provided through Campions Roundabout itself. However, cyclists looking to continue their journey along Sheering Road will be able to connect to Sheering Road via a short link to the Sheering arm of the roundabout.

See the scheme walking and cycling provision in more detail