AN EXTRA lane – or even two – could be added to Canvey Way as part of £60million of long-awaited investment to improve traffic flowon and off the island.

Essex County Council has announced plans to widen the main link between Canvey at Waterside Farm and and the mainland at Sadlers Farm.

The scheme would either make Canvey Way a dual-carriageway or create a third, “tidal flow” lane, to be used by commuters leaving the island in the mornings and returning home in the evening.

Somnes Avenue and the Waterside Farm roundabout are also set for an overhaul in an effort to ease the island’s awful congestion.

Officials have made it clear that the plan to add a third lane does not mean County Hall has given up on the idea of creating a separate third road off the island in the longer term.

Rodney Bass, county councillor responsible for highways said: “We recognise the importance of access onto and off Canvey and ways of funding a range of highways capacity improvement options for Canvey Way and Somnes Avenue.

“These options include consideration of different levels of improvement, which will help inform future investment decisions and put the council in a good position to bid for external funding.”

A third lane is likely to be added first on Somnes Avenue, along with changes to the Waterside Farm roundabout.

Somnes Avenue would be be made a dual carriageway until just after Waterside Farm Sports Centre, after which there would be two lanes eastbound, into the middle of the island, and one lane westbound.

The county council say it wants to consult the public on the plans, while it seeks funding for the improvements.

Tory Castle Point MP, Rebecca Harris, has set up a meeting with Chancellor George Osborne in an effort to such funding.

Ray Howard, Tory borough and county councillor for Canvey, said: “The time has come when something has to happen. I realise to get another access road across to Canvey, there will be objections, so we need something urgently.

“I believe after discussing it with Rebecca Harris, there is a possibility we could put dualling or a tidal route in on Canvey Way.”

Mrs Harris said: “I’m very pleased Ray and I managed persuade Essex County Council to come up with solid plans to alleviate traffic.

“When there is a jam at Waterside Farm, it can snarl up traffic across the whole of Castle Point.

“I’m still dedicated to getting a third road, but both of these main options would be a good stop-gap, which will alleviate congestion for my residents.”