Plans for a multi-million pound village bypass between Braintree and Chelmsford have moved a step nearer.

Building work on the new A131 Great Leighs bypass, which will provide a loop between Braintree and Chelmsford, is due to start in October.

Highways chiefs are putting the project out to tender, with a predicted cost of about £21 million, after securing Government funding.

The project has been in the pipeline for more than eight years with Essex County Council giving planning permission in 1996.

The proposed road will run south from the Great Notley garden village, across the Essex Showground before rejoining the A131 above the A130 near Regiment Way.

The aim of the new road, which is being financed by a mixture of public and private investment, is to ease traffic congestion for residents in Great Leighs.

It is also believed that the road will make it easier and quicker for people who live in Braintree but work in Chelmsford.

Project officer Les Burns said part of the new bypass will be dual carriageway.

He added: "We're delighted that the project is moving forward. We're also looking forward to providing Great Leighs residents with some much needed respite from the traffic. The existing road severs the village.

"We can already build legally on the land and it has just been a case of getting the funding."

He added that the county council will work closely with residents throughout the building period.

Braintree County Councillor Doug Rice added: "This is a very important development for everyone and I'm delighted that it's going ahead."

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