MILLIONS of pounds for road improvements were secured in expectation of passenger numbers at Southend Airport rising, according to Southend Council.

Last week Southend Airport announced a £225million deal with budget airline Ryanair, which will fly to 13 new destinations across eight European countries.

Southend Council received millions in funding from the Department of Transport project on improvements to road including Progress Road, Cuckoo Corner and Tesco.

Work is continuing on upgrading the junction at Kent Elms.

A spokesman for the council said: “One of the main reasons we bid for this was in anticipation of the expansion of Southend Airport, the development of the airport business park and general population growth.

“Over the past five years, Southend Council has been making incremental improvements to traffic pinch-points along the A127 within the borough.

“Looking further ahead, we are working other south Essex authorities like never before to develop a joint strategic plan that will ensure we collectively make the case for the major infrastructure that south Essex will need in order to grow.”

Jon Horne, chief operating officer for Stobart Group, owners of Southend Airport said a particular focus needs to be placed on the roads in order for the airport to reach its goal of welcoming more passengers.

He said: “We clearly support the plans for further improvements to the A127, which will benefit Southend and Rochford significantly and not just the airport.

“We keep the onsite airport road system under review and have a number of scheme options to ensure we can meet the airport planned growth.”

Kevin Bentley, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for infrastructure, added: “We know the A127 is a vital road and are pressing ahead with major investment at the Fairglen Interchange.”