Plans for new Chelmsford bypass almost complete

A vital Chelmsford bypass scheme, linking to the development of a new station, homes and businesses, moves a major step forward this Spring as Essex County Council, working with Chelmsford City Council, submits a planning application.

The 8km Chelmsford North East bypass is part of a £250 million investment which also includes a new Beaulieu railway station. Running between the A131 and the A12 at Boreham, it would upgrade the current route, originally built in the Eighties, and facilitate growth in the city, together with increased opportunity for walking, cycling and public transport.

The route is planned to bypass residential areas and relieve high levels of congestion in Chelmsford itself, while providing a strategic link between Chelmsford, Braintree, London Stansted Airport and the wider east and southeast of England, including South Essex and the Lower Thames Crossing.

The bypass would take traffic to and from the planned station and nearby housing development. Travelling from the north, it would be up to 12 minutes quicker to drive to the new station rather than Chelmsford.

Following public engagement last year, the planning application offers a further opportunity for public comment ahead of a decision on the project, potentially in October. Construction of the bypass could begin in 2023 with the scheme possibly opening the following year.

The bypass scheme and station are progressing with nearly £218m in funding from the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, plus £34m of other funding from the South East Local Enterprise Partnership and developer Countryside Zest.

For more information visit the webpage: www.essexhighways.org/chelmsford-north-east-bypass