A LONG-AWAITED £3million scheme to ease traffic misery for Basildon commuters is finally set to go ahead.

Essex County Council revealed engineers will start work next month to create an extra northbound lane on Nethermayne for people travelling between Basildon Hospital roundabout and the Ashdon Way junction.

A dual carriageway will be created under the railway bridge up to the junction with Roundacre roundabout.

Finally, the crossing near to Woodlands School will be moved towards the hospital roundabout to allow the road to be widened and the pavement expanded.

Rodney Bass, county councillor responsible for highways, said: “These important improvements will reduce journey times northbound on a road carrying over 25,000 vehicles per day. They will also provide a wider lane southbound to enable emergency vehicles going to the hospital to pass traffic.

“The road will not be closed during the works, but some delays should be expected.

“Drivers should find alternative routes and allow extra time for journeys.

“Access for emergency vehicles and hospital visitors will be maintained at all times.”

Drivers will have access to the road throughout the work with traffic lights set up to control vehicles.

Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will also install traffic lights on the northbound approach to the hospital roundabout from the A13 to allow vehicles leaving the hospital to enter the roundabout.

The work is being paid for by a grant from the Government from a fund dedicated to removing bottlenecks on local roads that are stopping towns from growing.

 

For full plans, reaction and images see today's Echo.