A1331 (A120-A133 Link Road)
A1331 Phase One - Works so far
As we move into spring, works on the scheme remain on schedule to complete later this year.
In recent weeks, the new walking and cycling elements have progressed well. Works are also continuing on the crossing points, which will support cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders looking to cross. Street lighting, signage and fencing continues to be installed and, as can be seen on the most recent drone footage, surfacing works are taking place across the site.
The team are also currently undertaking a major planting project, with over 40,000 trees and shrubs due to be planted as part of the Phase One works.
Latest drone footage of works
Landscaping works being undertaken around the new A133 roundabout
Surfacing works taking place on the new Tye Road Roundabout
Landscaping and central reservation works taking place at the new Allen’s Farm Roundabout
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
Linking the A120 and A133 will enable people to access the A120 and A12 more easily, reducing the need to travel directly into Colchester and helping to manage congestion on local roads.
The A1331 will also help to unlock land to provide housing, business and leisure space.
There will be approximately 25,000 new homes built within Tendring and Colchester by 2033, including the first stages of the new Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community. This development will see 7,500 - 9,000 new homes as well as business, leisure and recreational spaces created over the coming decades.
Ultimately forming part of the Garden Community, as it develops, the A1331 will create easier links to the wider road network, while also linking to the new Colchester Rapid Transit System.
Octavius Infrastructure have been appointed by Essex County Council to deliver Phase 1 of the scheme. The first phase will provide three new roundabouts as future accesses to the new Garden Community.
The first new roundabout on the A133 to the east of the University of Essex was completed in summer 2025.
After completion of the A133 roundabout, two additional roundabouts will be constructed further north at Tye Road and Allen’s Farm. A new 1.8km dual carriageway road (A1331 Phase 1) will then be built to link these together. This is currently expected to be complete and operational in 2026.
Please see below for a diagram of the planned A1331 Phase 1.
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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.
Scheme timeline
HIF Bid announced – August 2019
Public Consultation – Autumn 2019
Planning Application – Spring 2020/21
Development of Garden Community
Construction Start – Target 2024
First phase completion – Target 2026
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