A RANGE of schemes has been announced by Essex County Council in an £11.8million programme to tackle traffic gridlock.

They include:

* The widening of some junctions to reduce bottlenecks and accommodate traffic more efficiently

* Installation and revision of traffic signals

* Relocating and operating pedestrian crossings more efficiently to cope with actual demand

* Direct control of some lights from the Essex traffic control centre to ensure better traffic flows.

Norman Hume, cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: "These twelve congestion busting schemes are a demonstration of Essex County Council's commitment to ensuring that people don't have to spend unnecessary hours delayed in traffic, whether in a car or on public transport and that Essex Works for them.

"Each scheme is specifically designed to improve the quality of life of residents by reducing journey times and will be delivered within a year.

The schemes include:

Basildon - A127/A132 Nevendon Interchange - improvements to traffic signals.

Castle Point - Waterside Farm Roundabout - Revised road markings to give greater lanes at entry to the roundabout and possible localised widening on Canvey Way.

Rochford - High Street, Rayleigh - improved signals to currently inefficient junction at London Hill.

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