Funding bid submitted for A127 improvements

A road worker in high-visibility clothing lays down some red asphalt on a piece of road next to an orange traffic cone.

Plans to redesign a key junction on the A127 have moved forward. 

We have submitted a Strategic Outline Case to the Department for Transport for the improvements. This is the next stage of the bidding process for Major Road Network (MRN) funding.

The package of improvements includes:

  • realigning the carriageway at the Fortune of War junction
  • an additional eastbound lane between the Halfway House and Dunton junctions
  • improvements to the walking and cycling route between the Halfway House and Fortune of War junctions 
  • a new flagship walking and cycling route between the Fortune of War junction and Basildon town centre
  • upgrades to bus stops along the corridor

Subject to approval of the Strategic Outline Case, a public consultation will take place next year.

Planning applications could be submitted in 2026. Construction could start in 2027. 

Councillor Tom Cunningham, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport, said: 

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.

It is therefore vital that improvements are made to the A127 to help support the future growth and prosperity of South Essex.

Our proposals are a crucial first step and will improve key pinch points along this section of the A127, helping to reduce congestion, support growth, improve sustainable transport options, and provide more efficient and reliable access to the M25 and wider Strategic Road Network.

A lot of work has been needed to get us to this point and this is a significant milestone in bidding to secure the funding needed to deliver this important package of measures.

Find out more about the A127 Transport Improvements scheme