FORMAL plans to ease delays on the A120 at Braintree by building new slip roads have finally been submitted.

Essex Highways has unveiled its vision for the new roads, which would connect the A120 near to Galleys Corner roundabout with Millennium Way.

The idea has been in the pipeline for several years but Highways have now submitted formal plans which must gain final approval from Essex County Council before work can begin.

Bosses estimate preparation work for the new slip roads could begin as early as autumn this year, with main construction work beginning in spring 2020.

The initial schedule put forward by Highways suggests the scheme could take 18 months to complete, meaning the roads would open late in the summer of 2021.

Construction would be done in two separate phases, with the southern slip likely to be built first followed by the northern road then installed soon after. Negotiations with land owners and other parties are said to be ongoing at present, meaning there could be a time delay between the construction of the first and second slips.

A construction compound would be installed between the railway line and car park for Braintree Swimming and Fitness throughout the building phase and Highways says traffic measures put in place to keep workmen safe will be “kept to a minimum”.

In the planning statement submitted alongside the blueprints, it is argued failure to deliver the scheme would lead to further congestion in and around Braintree and could harm future growth in the town.

The statement adds: “The proposed scheme would provide direct access to and from Millennium Way (B1018) to free up capacity, reduce

congestion and delays to A120 through-traffic on the A120

at Galleys Corner roundabout.

“Galleys Corner roundabout is a five-arm roundabout that provides a key access point into Braintree via Millennium Way, in addition to forming the main route into Braintree Village.

“Delays are regularly experienced at the roundabout, with substantial queuing on the A120 southbound in the morning peak and eastbound in the evening peak.

“A significant reduction in traffic flows around Galleys Corner roundabout would encourage developers and businesses to re-appraise the benefits of developments in and around Braintree. “

In its application, Highways has conceded the new slip roads could have a negative effect on the environment but insists a “thorough” review of the plans has resulted in a sensitive design which will be able to minimise the impact.