A major £1.3 billion redevelopment to increase capacity by 50 per cent on a major Essex road has been given the green light by the Government.

The Department for Transport has approved National Highways' plans to widen the current four-lane carriageway to six lanes on a busy section of the A12 between Chelmsford and Colchester – as it aims to "increase safety, reduce congestion and futureproof the road for economic growth".

Once completed, journey times are expected to be significantly reduced as motorists travelling on the section of the A12 between J19 at Boreham Interchange to J25 at Marks Tey each day will save as much as 1.5 hours every week.

Other major improvements include the construction of two major bypasses at Rivenhall End and to the north of Kelvedon. These are hoped to help to take heavy goods vehicles away from minor roads and villages.

Junctions will also be upgraded to help traffic enter and exit the A12 safely, and public transport users will also benefit with access to more bus stops.

The £1.3 billion redevelopment was granted a development consent order by Transport Minister Huw Merriman on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper.

Welcoming the Government’s decision to grant development consent, Philip Davie - National Highways’ project director for the scheme - said: “We are delighted with today’s announcement, which is great news for Essex and those who regularly use the A12.

“This is one of the busiest roads in the east of England which provides a strategic connection between Chelmsford and Colchester as well as the ports at Felixstowe and Harwich and nearby Stansted Airport. The scale of our work here will increase safety and capacity, saving people significant amounts of time on their journeys.

“There is rapid growth in this part of the country, and our plans will help to futureproof the area in terms of additional housing and supporting continued economic development. It will also provide safer alternative routes away from the A12 for cyclists, walkers, and horse riders.

“In reaching this milestone, I would also like to acknowledge and thank all those whose vision, hard work and support has driven this scheme from an initial plan to securing consent."