The construction of the £27M A1331 link road between the A133 and A120 has begun, aiming to enhance connectivity near Colchester. The road will run alongside the University of Essex, featuring a 1.8km dual carriageway.
- Octavius Infrastructure is spearheading the project with Essex County Council, who were pivotal in the project’s conception and design.
- The construction entails the creation of three new roundabouts and a dual carriageway, anticipated to be operational by spring 2026.
- A noteworthy £99.9M funding from the Housing Infrastructure Fund is backing the project, also supporting a new Rapid Transit System.
- These infrastructure projects are essential for the development of the Colchester Border Garden Community, enhancing both residential and commercial prospects.
Octavius Infrastructure has embarked on the initial phase of constructing the anticipated £27M A1331, a critical link road connecting the A120 and A133 near Colchester. Spanning 1.8km of dual carriageway, the road will be situated east of the University of Essex, integrating a new roundabout on the A133 and the Allen’s Farm Roundabout.
The construction commenced with the A133 roundabout, inducing temporary modifications such as the reduction of vehicular lanes and the imposition of a 64km/h speed limit throughout the construction period, which is projected to culminate in spring 2025. Subsequent to this, additional roundabouts will sprout at Tyre Road and Allen’s Farm.
With the early contractor involvement stage concluded, Octavius has collaborated intensively with Essex County Council to finalise design aspects and budgetary considerations for the endeavour. The fruition of this collaboration is largely attributed to Essex County Council’s spirited involvement and Octavius’ expertise.
Significant funding, amounting to £99.9M, has been attained from the Housing Infrastructure Fund. This financial endorsement is not solely for the link road but also underpins the inception of a Rapid Transit System, envisioned to revamp transportation modalities locally.
Novelties like these are seminal to the proposed Colchester Border Garden Community project. This venture will foster an array of housing and employment opportunities, driving substantial economic upswing. Gavin Pritchard, managing director of Octavius, acknowledged the cooperative efforts with Essex County Council in actualising this project, expressing enthusiasm on its potential socio-economic benefits.
The ongoing new transportation infrastructure developments resonate with the broader ambitions to transform Colchester’s landscape and economic trajectory.
