Cambridge Road junction in Harlow now open

The new junction has been funded as part of the £171 million investment by Homes England to support future growth in the town.

A new road junction in Harlow is already helping reduce congestion and local businesses to improve efficiency.

The new Cambridge Road junction with River Way and the Templefields Industrial Estate was officially opened on Friday 1 August.

The project provides new access to the Templefields Enterprise Zone. It is helping to reduce the level of congestion travelling on Edinburgh Way. It will also support links to future new communities.

The new junction will also support business and economic growth, as haulage vehicles can now reach the strategic network quicker and more efficiently.

The project was funded as part of the £171 million investment by Homes England through the Housing Investment Grant, with a contribution from Harlow’s Towns Deal award. It was also supported by Hertfordshire County Council and Harlow and Gilston Garden Town (HGGT).

As a pioneering new town, Harlow is undergoing significant transformation. This project marks the beginning of an exciting time for Harlow. The town will see significant investment, growth opportunities and a joined up and collaborative approach to transport infrastructure delivery.

The new junction is one of many developments happening in Harlow that will help future proof the town as it grows. The work taking place at Cambridge Road, and the new Sustainable Transport Corridor development are key to supporting this growth and ensuring the right infrastructure is in place to support future house building as part of the HGGT.

Deputy to the Leader with principal accountabilities on Major Infrastructure Projects and Freeports at Essex County Council and representative on the HGGT Joint Committee, Councillor Lesley Wagland, said: “Connectivity is absolutely crucial and most of the people I speak with have moved on from being categorised as ‘not in my back yard’ and just want to see the appropriate infrastructure.

“Road schemes always take a long while and it’s a huge thank you to everyone who not only lobbied and delivered this project but also had to bear with it.”

Portfolio Holder for the Garden Town and Planning at Harlow Council, Councillor Alistair Gunn, said: “Having provided £1.5 million towards the new Cambridge Road junction works through the £23.7 million Towns Fund that Harlow Council secured, it is very welcome that the road is now open.

“One of Harlow Council’s missions is to secure investment for the town’s future and this upgrade to our infrastructure is a good example of that in action.

“Indeed, the new junction is already supporting Harlow businesses on River Way.

“It is providing improved access and making the Templefields employment area even more attractive for major private investment, as we’ve seen with the recent arrival of LT Foods - a global rice manufacturer who have invested £7 million in their new state of the art facility and aim to provide up to 100 new jobs."

Looking ahead to the future Garden Town, the Cambridge Road junction will help manage future traffic demand and support future housing plans.

It will also create sustainable access to the seven Gilston villages and the proposed new community for East of Harlow as well as existing areas in New Hall and Gilden Park.