Army and Navy Sustainable Transport Package plans move a step closer

County Council granted £1.4 million to support further development of work planned at key Chelmsford gateway.

Proposals for a vital gateway in Chelmsford, which will transform the way people travel in the city, have been given Government approval and funding to move forward.

In July 2021, Essex County Council submitted the final version of its strategic outline business case for the Army and Navy Sustainable Transport Package to the Department for Transport (DfT), the first step in potentially securing Government funding. This sets out the case for investment based on how well the scheme meets local and wider Government infrastructure objectives, along with demonstrating that there are viable options that will meet these objectives.

The DfT has now confirmed that the scheme has been approved to move to the next stage of development under the Government’s Major Road Network Programme. This will see the development and submission of an outline business case which identifies a preferred option following detailed assessment of a shortlist of options.

The County Council has been granted nearly £1.4 million by the DfT in support of this work.

It is anticipated that the submission of the business case will be this summer following the recent public consultation. During this consultation the two best performing junction options were presented to the public, alongside proposed Park and Ride and walking and cycling improvements.

The majority of respondents supported the ‘hamburger roundabout’ arrangement for the Army and Navy junction which would see a new roundabout with a road through the centre of it.

Cllr Lesley Wagland OBE, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Renewal, Infrastructure and Planning, said: “The process for developing and achieving funding for any large infrastructure project is very detailed and we have needed to demonstrate both the local need, the regional impact and how we are meeting national objectives. I am very pleased we have successfully gained funding for the next stage so we can continue to develop our case for investment.”

Vicky Ford MP, Member of Parliament for Chelmsford, added: “Creating a new junction at the Army and Navy is a top priority for Chelmsford and Essex so it is good news that the Government has given this approval. However, I am concerned about how long it may be before final works will be completed and I will continue to press for the work to be done as soon as possible.”

The preferred option for the junction will be considered by the County Council’s Cabinet in March. Following this, the outline business case will be finalised and submitted to the DfT, which will then decide whether the scheme can move to the final stage. This will see the creation of a final business case covering the tender and award for the construction work.

It is expected a planning application for the Army and Navy junction will be submitted in early 2023 with the final business case going to the DfT in Summer 2024. Construction for the whole package of measures is scheduled for between Winter 2024 and Autumn 2027.

For more information about the project and to sign up for an e-newsletter, please visit www.essex.gov.uk/armyandnavy.