A final shortlist
of options for the Army and Navy junction is set to be confirmed early next
year as the drive continues to transform the way people travel in Chelmsford.
Essex County
Council is looking to provide a long-term solution at the junction that not
only creates an effective and attractive gateway to the city, but also
minimises any environmental impact and provides people with safer, greener and
healthier alternatives to travelling by car, in line with the vision outlined
in the Chelmsford Future Transport Network Strategy.
The Army and
Navy Taskforce, which is overseeing the development of the project, were
updated on the latest progress last Friday (4 December) and told that a
decision of a final shortlist of options is expected to be made in early 2021.
Work is
continuing to assess and refine four options for the junction - a hamburger roundabout, enlarged roundabout, two-way flyover
and separate T-junctions.
Each
option has been upgraded to include significantly improved walking and cycling
facilities at the junction, while proposals are also being developed for the
expansion of Sandon Park and Ride and a potential new park and ride site in
Widford. The sustainable transport improvement measures are a crucial aspect of
the project and part of a continued drive to encourage more people to walk,
cycle or use the bus to get around the city.
Cllr Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “With Chelmsford continuing to grow and roads in the city
centre at or nearing capacity, encouraging people to think differently about
how they travel, particularly for shorter journeys is vital. This will
form an essential part of the solution at the Army and Navy and other key
gateways into Chelmsford.
“We are determined to ensure the final scheme does not simply reduce congestion and delays in the shorter term but creates a lasting
and sustainable legacy for years to come.
“I want to reassure people that despite the continued challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic, our hard work is continuing and we are busy compiling the robust evidence needed to secure Government funding.
“We understand people want a solution at the Army and Navy
junction as quickly as possible, however we must also follow Department for
Transport processes and ultimately ensure we achieve the right scheme for
Chelmsford.
“We expect to be in a position to confirm the final shortlist of options early next year and to consult with the public on those options around June.”
Vicky Ford, MP for Chelmsford, added: “I know the people of Chelmsford want to see a new and improved junction at the Army and Navy as soon as possible , but it is also important that we get the best long term solution.
“It is good news that more detailed work is being done by expert engineers to model the likely impacts of each of the possible junction designs before options are narrowed down further.
“I will continue to press for work to be done as swiftly as possible and for the public to be fully consulted.”
Construction
of the final scheme is currently expected to start in winter 2023/24 and be
completed in winter 2025/26, but is subject to funding, planning and other
processes.