Government pledges £15m for interchange upgrade

The government has approved plans and pledged £15m to upgrade a road junction with the aim of reducing journey times and improving safety.

Some £90m has been designated for four road schemes across England, including the Fairglen interchange at Rayleigh near Southend.

The upgrade could mean shorter and faster journeys for road users, as well as a reduced number of collisions at the planned A127/A130/A1245 junction.

"This scheme was chosen because it's excellent value for money for taxpayers," said Lillian Greenwood, Minister for Future of Roads.

"It'll make people's journeys better, including setting up future provisions for walking and cycling."

The plan includes a new bridge for pedestrians and cyclists to the south of the roundabout that links the existing foot a cyclepaths running alongside the A127.

The minister added that the scheme would help grow the economy by creating jobs and unlocking housing growth.

Enhancements to the interchange would also include work on surrounding roundabouts in Rayleigh.

The total cost of the Fairglen Interchange scheme is nearly £60m. Any remaining funding and cost overruns would be paid for by Essex County Council.

The Department for Transport's contribution to the scheme was fixed at £15m in 2016, when the Conservatives were in power.

Cabinet member for highways at the council, Tom Cunningham, said the improvements had been long awaited.

"This project is vital to unlocking future growth in south Essex and easing congestion for those that regularly travel in this area, including improving access for those who walk and cycle," he said.

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