“An opportunity for the economy of Essex like no other” – bypass and brand-new station for Chelmsford agreed
Long-awaited improvements to the transport network in Chelmsford have taken a big step forward this week following productive negotiations with the Government and Network Rail.
Essex County Council has today agreed to enter into contract with Network Rail, subject to their own internal governance, to complete the construction of the new Beaulieu Park Station in Chelmsford.
The new Implementation Agreement follows an earlier contract agreed in late 2022 which enabled advanced construction works to start. This final contract will ensure the station is completed in 2025 as planned.
The council will sign the new contract following support from Homes England to an updated plan to build the Chelmsford North-East Bypass in phases. This will improve connectivity to the station once in place.
Both projects have been awarded funding from the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund which is managed by Homes England. Development of both schemes has continued while the discussions have taken place.
When complete, the Chelmsford North-East Bypass will provide a new 4.6km route between the Beaulieu Park development and a new roundabout on the A131 at Chatham Green. Under the phased approach the southern section of the bypass will be delivered first, using the Housing Infrastructure Fund.
The first part of the bypass will connect with Beaulieu Parkway in the south and provide connectivity to the A12 at Boreham Interchange when Generals Lane Bridge opens later this year.
To the north, the road will join with a new east-west link which is due to be delivered as part of the planned Chelmsford Garden Community and will connect through to the Wheelers Hill roundabout on the A130 Essex Regiment Way.
Advanced works for the construction of the bypass are underway. This includes the construction of a new bridge on a site north of Beaulieu Parkway that will span the new bypass in future. The bridge, being constructed by contractor Octavius Infrastructure, will allow the existing mineral quarry at Bulls Lodge to continue to operate during construction and operation of the bypass.
Once the quarrying is complete, the bridge will provide a new east-west vehicle, cycle and pedestrian route, improving connectivity within the Garden Community for local communities.
At the Beaulieu Park Station site, work to date has focused on groundworks for the station building, piling for the new platforms and preparing for the new railway track works to be carried out over the Christmas 2023 period.
The two schemes will provide early investment in important infrastructure which is needed to support the delivery of a new Garden Community. This will include new homes across a range of tenures, new schools and community facilities, dedicated employment areas, a new country park, and substantial leisure and green spaces.
By committing to the early delivery of infrastructure to support growth and development opportunities, Essex County Council is helping enable the development of high quality, sustainable neighbourhoods at Chelmsford Garden Community.
While both the station and bypass projects have been impacted by rising costs, positive discussions have been had with Homes England and Network Rail.
An updated phased approach to delivering the bypass means the costs can be spread across the development of each stage, so the infrastructure is in place when it is needed, and in conjunction with project partners including developers.
Essex County Council Leader, Councillor Kevin Bentley said: “Beaulieu Park Railway Station and the Chelmsford North-East Bypass present an opportunity for the economy of Chelmsford and greater Essex like no other. These projects, once they are both complete, will not only improve connections to London and elsewhere in the east of England, but greatly reduce pressure on Chelmsford Station and ease congestion on the surrounding roads.
“These developments enable the growth of this county for generations to come. They will encourage a more sustainable approach to travelling, as well as ensuring the transport network in Chelmsford and the surrounding areas is fit for the future.
“We’ve worked hard with our partners to get to this point in both of the developments, including the local MPs and colleagues at Chelmsford City Council and Braintree District Council, and with the agreement of Homes England and Network Rail on how we plan to deliver these pieces of transformational transport infrastructure projects we can ensure progress continues and both projects are delivered when they are needed.”
Kemi Badenoch, MP for Saffron Walden, said: “I welcome the approach Essex County Council has taken to ensure the delivery of Beaulieu station and the Chelmsford North-East Bypass. These are vital infrastructure projects and will make a huge difference to my Chelmsford constituents and the wider area.
“I recently visited the station site to see the progress, as well as the work to complete Generals Lane Bridge. The teams are working really hard to deliver these projects and I will continue to work closely with them as they progress.”
Vicky Ford, MP for Chelmsford, said: “I am delighted that a decision has been made to ensure that Beaulieu Park Station remains on track. With further news that approval has been granted from Homes England for the phased approach to building Chelmsford North-East Bypass, this represents an exciting and transformative development for Chelmsford as we grow the local economy.
“These projects will reduce congestion in our city, particularly for residents in the North of Chelmsford, improve our transport links to London and surrounding areas and support the delivery of the thousands of new homes that local people need.
"I will continue to push for these projects to be completed as soon as possible.”