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 in 2026
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.
In recent months significant progress has been made, with work taking place on the roundabout sections which will ultimately form the accesses to the 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.
Latest drone footage of works
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New A1331 roundabout
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Crossing point for pedestrians and cyclists
Walking and cycling route being installed alongside the new A1331
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 £99.9milllion 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
It is proposed that 'Phase 2' of the A1331 will be delivered as part of the Garden Community. Once developed it will provide a connection from Phase 1 to a new junction on the A120.
In accordance with adopted planning policy, before any development is permitted at the Garden Community a funding commitment for Phase 2 must be demonstrated. This plan-led approach will ensure that infrastructure is brought forward at the right time to support new housing growth.
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