A 30-YEAR plan to transform a major A127 junction, with a relief road and roundabout overhaul, is set to be revealed.

Essex County Council has revealed proposals to bring an end to rush hour misery for thousands of drivers by ploughing £175million into the Fairglen Interchange.

The Echo understands an initial scheme - costing around £25million - will see a relief road created to link the A130 with the Southend-bound A127 just after the railway bridge between Wickford and Rayleigh.

A larger project, believed to cost up to £150million, will aim to tackle problems with the junction’s roundabout - with new lanes expected to be added.

Further details will be revealed by the council at a series of public information events, taking place in late autumn.

Ray Howard, deputy county councillor for highways, said he hopes the new road - expected to open by 2022 - will alleviate congestion on the A127, A130 and A13.

He said: “This is really good news and I am sure I can speak for so many drivers who are caught up in traffic there.

“This is not just coming from Chelmsford, but also those coming to and from Southend on the A127.

“In rush hour it really is a nightmare, and becomes gridlocked night after night.

“I share their frustration as I see this regularly when I come back from meetings at County Hall.

“So the idea is to provide short and long term solutions to tackle it thoroughly.

“We are still in the very early stages on this one, but believe it will be a really good scheme.”

Funding bids will be submitted to the Government.