Construction work to start on long-awaited A12 junction (From Gazette)

Construction work to start on long-awaited A12 junction

4:52pm Tuesday 1st December 2009 in Colchester By James Calnan

Construction work is finally beginning this week on a new junction linking the A12 with the north of Colchester.

Work is getting underway on building a bridge, two roundabouts, four slip roads, an underpass and a link road to Axial Way.

The £12.4 million junction is due to open to the public by March 2011, and is expected to be followed the following year by a link to the Northern Approaches Road, through the former Severalls Hospital site.

Supporters hope the junction will ease congestion and improve access to the Weston Homes Community Stadium and Severalls Business Estate.

Its construction should result in a new park and ride north of the A12, the development of the former hospital site into 1,500 new homes, and the release of employment land to create around 5,000 jobs.