One of the district’s busiest roundabouts is set to be revamped as part of a £3.6 million investment scheme.

Essex Highways has released details of the improvements set to be made to the A131 between Braintree and Sudbury before 2021.

Plans are being created to improve traffic flow on the busy A-road, so Braintree and Halstead can accommodate the expected growth in their populations.

Among the proposals are plans to widen four entry lanes at the Marks Farm roundabout in Braintree, along with adding a left turn sliproad from the A120 heading south.

General improvements are also planned to the roundabout, with the aim of improving safety for drivers and pedestrians at what is a notorious traffic hotspot.

Continuing along the road towards Halstead at the Broad Road roundabout, improvements will be made to the entry road to the A131.

Essex Highways is also proposing to realign the roundabout to improve traffic flow.

Major changes are planned for the A131’s junction with the A1017 in High Garrett as well.

The traffic signals are set to be relocated and improved crossings for pedestrians will be installed.

Further towards Halstead, in the villages of Plaistow Green and Bulmer Tye, non-slip surfacing will be installed and surrounding signage will be improved to increase safety for drivers.

A report by Essex Highways said: “Braintree is undergoing significant growth and there is the potential for exponential growth with the adoption of a new garden community to the west of Braintree.

“The A131, leaving the north of Braintree, also provides an essential commercial link, via the A1017, on to the A14 and the M11.

“Similarly, there are significant growth plans for Sudbury, which, together with developments in Halstead halfway between the two destinations, will put increased pressure on the capacity and performance of this corridor.”

Work on the improvements is set to begin before the end of 2019.

Funding has also been agreed for improvements to the A131 southbound between Braintree and Chelmsford.

The work will see a dedicated left turn slip road created at Sheepcotes Roundabout, and a longer bus lane from Pratts Farm roundabout to Nabbotts Roundabout in Chelmsford.

The £3.6 million cash forms part of a massive £300 million budget which Essex County Council will spend on schools, roads, homes and the economy throughout the next year.

In total, £9.4 million will be spent by Essex Highways on improving the entirety of the A131 between 2018 and 2021.