A1331 (A120-A133 Link Road)

A1331 Phase One - Works so far

Work on Phase One of the A1331 has now been underway for just over a year, with the scheme on schedule to complete later this year.

Following a series of overnight works during the summer of 2025, the main roundabout linking the A133 to the new A1331 was successfully completed, and opened on schedule in September.

Completion of the roundabout has allowed the Octavius team to focus on the main stretch of the A1331 away from the live highways network, significantly reducing any further impact or disruption to highway users for the remainder of the scheme.

Significant progress has been made, with work taking place on the new roundabout sections which will ultimately form the accesses to the future Garden Community development. As can be seen in the recent drone footage, elements of the walking and cycling lane have progressed, and drainage ponds have been excavated.

Kerbs, gullies and streetlighting preparations have also been completed in preparation to install new streetlighting columns.

Moving into the new year we will see further earthworks and drainage work across the mainline, the commencement of landscaping and further fencing installed.

A further update on the works to date can be seen in Octavius’ December project newsletter.

Supporting future growth

In 2019, Essex County Council successfully bid for funding to help support planned housing growth across the county.

To support sustainable planned growth in Colchester, we need high-quality transport infrastructure to help manage additional traffic and make sure new development is well connected into the city. 

The council's bids to the Government's Housing Infrastructure Fund totalled more than £500 million, with £99.9 milllion awarded as part of the 'Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community' development, to support the development of the Colchester Rapid Transit and the A1331.

Delivered in two phases, in line with the new development, the first phase of the new A1331 is being funded through the Housing Infrastructure Fund and is due to be completed in 2026.

To keep up to date as the scheme progresses, please sign up to receive our newsletter. For any queries, please contact the project team by email at a1331@essexhighways.org. 

A1331 - Phase One 

A1331 - Phase 2 - completing the link to the A120

In March 2026 The Government’s housing and regeneration agency, Homes England, confirmed it will invest £65 million to ensure completion of the A1331.

Phase Two, will connect the A133 to the A120 helping unlock the 7,750 homes being planned as part of the Tendring-Colchester Borders Garden Community (TCBGC).

Homes England’s investment will be match funded by a £21 million contribution by the Garden Community developer, Latimer, who has been closely working with Tendring, Colchester and Essex councils to submit a business case for the funding to the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund.

Phase One of the new A1331 has seen the creation of a new roundabout on the A133, and just over one mile of dual carriageway, connecting two new roundabouts, which will provide accesses into the new community.

Phase Two will extend the route to a new junction on the A120, providing quick and easy access from the Garden Community.

The new road, once complete, will complement the Rapid Transit System (RTS) which is currently being developed.

While the A1331 link road is being completed, it is expected that the planning application for the housing growth being proposed for the Garden Community will be submitted.

Taking an ‘infrastructure first’ approach ensures that vital connections and transport routes are already in place for new residents, and existing residents of Colchester and Tendring can take advantage of improved travel options in the area.

At its March meeting Essex County Council’s Cabinet is due to formally agree to accept the additional grant funding from Homes England for the next phase of the link road.

Rapid Transit System proposals

The successful Housing Infrastructure Fund bid also saw funding provided for the first elements of a new Rapid Transit System for Colchester.

This will see the development of a route running from the existing Park and Ride on the A12, through the city centre, heading east to the Tendring Colchester Garden Community and a proposed new 'Park and Choose' site. 

Park and Choose is an evolution of Park and Ride, creating a transport hub for people looking to access other forms of transport. For example, it could offer cycle storage and lockers, electric bikes, connections into the wider bus network as well as parking facilities.

What makes an RTS unlike other public transport is that will see high-frequency (every ten minutes or less) services on segregated or priority corridors, so meaning it takes priority over other traffic. 

For more information on the RTS and the ongoing works please visit our Rapid Transit website at www.essexhighways.org/colchester-rapid-transit