Junction improvements could form first part of economy-boosting plan to upgrade A127

A series of junction improvements are being investigated to enhance the A127 in south Essex and boost the region’s economy, ahead of aspirations for further major upgrades in the future.

The A127 forms the central corridor through the south of the county, providing a key strategic link between London and Southend and connecting large centres of population and industry with London Southend Airport.

More than 80,000 vehicles a day use some sections of the A127 – making it the busiest non-trunk road in Essex and busier than parts of the M11. The dual carriageway is close to capacity at peak times, resulting in regular congestion and delays, which have a negative impact on the economy and road safety.

The A127 Task Force believe large-scale improvements are needed and are making the case for the A127 to first be re-adopted as a trunk road and managed as part of Highways England’s Strategic Road Network, in recognition of its vital strategic role.

In the meantime, Essex County Council is also exploring potential schemes to improve four junctions along the A127 – the Fortune of War, Warley, Halfway House and Pound Lane.

Funding is being pursued from the Government's Major Road Network (MRN) and Large Local Majors programme, and the council hopes to submit strategic outline business cases later this year.

Further along the A127, planned improvement works at the A127/A130 Fairglen Interchange are due to get underway in 2021/22. The scheme includes a new link road between the A130 and the A1245 north of the railway line; a segregated left-turn lane from the A1245 southbound to the A127 eastbound, slip road improvements, and a new bridge for pedestrians and cyclists.

For more information, visit our A127 page.