A MASSIVE investment is being prepared by Braintree Council to help improve congestion and access on the A120.

A total of £2.5 million has been set aside as part of the council’s £28 million District Investment Strategy to be dedicated to A120 access improvements.

The roundabout at Galley’s Corner will be the focus of spending. It is hoped access will be improved to Braintree Town Centre with the construction of new slip roads onto Millennium Way.

There is no timeframe for the works. Braintree Council has suggested the scheme will provide a 15 per cent reduction in traffic flow at Galley’s Corner roundabout, removing approximately 500 vehicle movements during peak periods in both the morning and afternoon.

With the reduction in journey times for commuters through Braintree it is hoped that economic connectivity between the town and places like London and Stansted Airport will be improved.

Some residents had suggested a flyover to be installed however Highways England’s road network shows that longer term improvements to access will be of more benefit.

A Braintree Council spokesman said: “Options appraisals have been undertaken by Highways England, which has responsibility for the strategic road network. “Analysis of options has concluded the construction of new on and off slip roads connecting the A120 to Millennium Way represents the most effective solution.”

Essex County Council is spending £5 million on a feasibility study, working with Highways England, for the A120 and A12, which will be matched by another £4million from the Government.

Whilst the budget for proposals has not yet been announced it is expected to be between £500million and £750million.

The council have insisted that the development will not purely be a cost exercise and residents’ concerns raised during the consultation, which opens in January 2017, to be considered.

A number of consultation meetings will be held with the parish council’s effected by the proposals.