First phase of new A1331 Link Road completed

The first phase of a major gateway road which will help unlock thousands of new homes has opened on schedule.

The A1331 Link Road will connect the A120 and A133. It will support delivery of up to 7,500 new homes as part of the Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community. 

Alongside the planned Rapid Transit System, the link road will ensure that infrastructure needed to support future growth in the area is being delivered first.

The scheme has been funded through Homes England, recognising the importance of investing in the infrastructure needed to support large-scale housing growth. 

Councillor Russell Quirk, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council, said: "This scheme demonstrates our commitment to assuring high-quality infrastructure is in place to support future homes, jobs and community facilities.  

"I would like to thank Essex residents for their patience during construction, and for their trust that we will deliver infrastructure ahead of homes being built – so as to ensure Essex residents get real benefits from growth." 

Delivered by Octavius Infrastructure, the 18-month project has seen the construction of just over one mile of new dual carriageway from a new roundabout on the A133. The scheme also includes high-quality walking and cycling facilities, new roundabouts and access points that will link into the future development. 

The project has also included the planting of more than 40,000 trees and shrubs as part of a comprehensive landscaping programme. 

Phase Two of the project will see the link between the A133 and the A120 completed. This was confirmed in March following a £65 million funding announcement. Work on this phase will complete by mid-2030. 

Councillor Mark Webster, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Infrastructure, added: "Over the coming months we will be continuing to work with Homes England, local partners and the developer to bring forward Phase Two, ensuring the important link to the A120 and the wider strategic road network is completed as quickly and efficiently as possible. 

Find out more about the A1331 project