The new dualled A120 between Marks Tey and Braintree could be open by 2026, according to Essex County Council’s latest timeline.

Experts from Essex County Council say the timeline for the new road’s opening should mean, if all goes to plan, construction would begin in six years time, in 2023.

The timeline estimates that construction would take around three years to fully complete.

This means the first vehicles could be able to use the new road by 2026, assuming that funding is granted for the scheme within the Government’s road investment strategy for 2020-2025.

George Kieffer, chairman of the Haven Gateway Partnership, said: “We have approached the national infrastructure commission and we are asking them to consider the scheme for the benefit of not just our regions economy but the UK economy.

“We held a meeting with business owners where they could explain their concerns to Highways England.

“It is all about keeping the pressure up as the road must go into the road investment strategy."

A consultation into the five possible route options for the new road opened in January.

Nearly 3,000 residents and businesses responded to the consultation, with four out of every five supporting calls for a new road.

Kevin Bentley, deputy leader of Essex County Council, said: “Upgrades to this section of road are vital to keep the county moving and support the continuing economic and housing growth across Essex and East Anglia.

“The next stage will see us exploring these route options in depth to ensure we present the best possible option, or options, to central Government so as not to risk missing out on this golden opportunity to improve Essex’s road infrastructure.”

Rosie Pearson, secretary for the Campaign Against Urban Sprawl in Essex, said that the decision on the proposed route must be taken seperately from proposed developments in the area. 

She said: "2026 is a long way off and there is no guarantee that the road will receive funding or actually be delivered by that date."

A preferred route option is expected to be selected by the council’s Cabinet this autumn, before the case is put to the Government for the scheme to receive funding.

For more information, visit www.a120essex.co.uk.