A127 Transport Improvements

The A127 is a critically important corridor which provides a strategic link between London and South Essex, the region’s ports and London Southend Airport.

People regularly experience congestion and delay at key junctions along the corridor, leading to unreliable journey times and negative impacts on our economy.

The proposed A127 Transport Improvements project is a crucial first step in addressing these issues and will improve key pinch points along the A127 between the Halfway House and Fortune of War junctions, reducing congestion, improving journey times and supporting growth. It will also help encourage Safer, Greener and Healthier travel by providing improvements for people walking, cycling and travelling by bus.

Essex County Council is bidding for funding for the scheme from the Department for Transport’s Major Road Network (MRN) fund.

The A127 Engagement Group (previously known as the A127 Task Force) consists of local MPs and council leaders and has developed a long-term vision for the wider A127 corridor. The group has been regularly updated on the progress of the project.

Map of scheme areas

Next steps

Subject to approval of the Strategic Outline Case, the public will be given an opportunity to comment on the proposals through a public consultation, which is scheduled to take place in early 2025.

If the Strategic Outline Case is accepted by the Department for Transport, this will need be followed by an Outline Business Case and a Full Business Case.

Based on the current programme, planning applications are expected to be submitted in 2026 and construction of the scheme is scheduled to start in 2027.

Timeline