Chelmsford North East Bypass construction to begin early next year

A contract has been awarded to deliver a major transport boost for the city.

Major transport infrastructure connecting the north of Chelmsford has moved a step closer with a contract awarded by Essex County Council.

The first phase of the Chelmsford North East Bypass will be constructed by Octavius Infrastructure Limited. Works are scheduled to begin in early 2025 and finish by spring 2026.

The bypass, along with the new Beaulieu Park Station, will provide vital transport links to support planned housing and economic growth in the north of Chelmsford.

The first section of the bypass, known as 1A, will connect to Beaulieu Parkway in the south. This will provide access to the A12 at Boreham Interchange via the Beaulieu Parkway Bridge.

1A will also join a new link road to the north – being built as part of the Chelmsford Garden Community – and Wheelers Hill roundabout on A131 Essex Regiment Way.

The first section of the bypass is mostly funded by the government through the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF). Funding is also being provided by Essex County Council, alongside developer contributions through Chelmsford City Council.

The HIF was secured as a result of plans for the Chelmsford Garden Community. When complete, the garden community is expected to provide over 10,000 new homes and 5,000 sqm of employment space. This is in addition to green space, schools and other facilities.

The HIF also includes commissioning Network Rail to build the new Beaulieu Park Station, which is due to be completed next year.

The transformational Chelmsford North East Bypass and Beaulieu Park Station are being delivered by Essex County Council, which has secured a total of £250 million in funding for both projects.

Councillor Tom Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport at Essex County Council, said: “It is vital for the prosperity of Chelmsford that we progress with the first phase of the bypass scheme and developers deliver the associated link road.

“Chelmsford is a driver of the regional economy and plays a crucial role in the heart of Essex. To properly facilitate future development and economic growth, the city needs a transport network to match.

“I am therefore delighted we have now awarded a contract, with main construction works due to start early next year.

“The new bypass will provide easier access to both the A12 and the new train station, helping reduce congestion on local roads.

“Chelmsford North East Bypass and Beaulieu Park Station will support future growth to the north of the city, notably through the Chelmsford Garden Community. Along with other strategic sites in the local plans, this will deliver thousands of new homes, significant new business space, schools and community facilities.”

Jamie Harrison, Delivery Director for Highways at Octavius, added: “We are delighted to have been selected to progress the first phase of this important and strategic highway project. It presents us another fabulous opportunity to continue our long-term working relationships with Essex County Council, the local Essex communities and supply partners.

“When the first phase of the new bypass has been completed, along with the new railway station at Beaulieu, this essential infrastructure will be the catalyst for bringing people together and improving lives.”

Works enabling the first phase of the Chelmsford North East Bypass are already underway, with a new bridge spanning the future road now completed.

A second package of enabling works, which will involve excavating a silt lagoon and infilling two existing lagoons, is ongoing.