THE debate over whether or not a controversial road should be dualled looks set to be reignited after plans were unveiled to turn two ports in one tariff-free hub.

Back in 2018 campaigners called for the Department of Transport to fund the dualling of A120 which provides links to the Harwich International Port.

Initially the money was meant to come from a deal struck between port owners Hutchison Ports and the Government as part of a container port expansion at Bathside Bay.

This however has never materialised not least because the proposed development continues to battle endless planning conditions.

Eventually councillors and the Harwich and Manningtree Standard backed the movement to see the A120 dualled, after concerns were raised over the number of heavy goods vehicles travelling through the villages causing potholes.

Gazette:

Following the announcement of the proposed Freeport East - a vision to unify the Harwich International Port and the Port of Felixstowe - questions are now being asked about how the area will cope.

Ivan Henderson, councillor for the Harwich and Kingsway ward, believes the plans are already hindered due the lack of suitable infrastructure currently in place.

He said: “In Harwich, we have not got that really good infrastructure, unlike in Felixstowe.

“The problem is MPs and Government leaders have known for a while now that something should have been sorted with the A120.

“So, the project is already on the backfoot in Harwich because yes we want to help create all these jobs, but we have very poor access.”

It remains unknown whether or not investment in the A120 will be included within the Freeport East development.

Highways England and Hutchinson Ports were contacted for comment.