Construction of the controversial A1331 link road is set to begin this month, marking the start of a project that will support the development of 7,500 new homes. The first phase of the project will involve building 1.8km of dual carriageway with three junctions, linking the A120 and the A133.
An event was held to celebrate the commencement of the works, with many council figures in attendance. However, Harwich and North Essex MP Bernard Jenkin decided to boycott the event due to a dispute over the completion timeline. While Essex County Council estimates that the project will be completed by April 2026, a recent report suggested that it could be delayed until 2041 or 2051.
The new road is part of the Tendring Colchester Garden Communities development, which aims to address housing pressures and provide affordable housing options. Lee Scott, a cabinet member at Essex County Council, emphasized the importance of the project for the local residents and the future generations. He assured that efforts would be made to address any concerns and ensure that the infrastructure benefits everyone in the community.
Jonathan Schifferes, head of housing growth and garden communities at Essex County Council, highlighted the significance of planned growth to meet the housing needs of the region. He stressed the importance of delivering appropriate infrastructure to support the development and address issues like homelessness and the demand for affordable housing.
MP Pam Cox expressed her support for the project, emphasizing its importance for Colchester and the surrounding areas. She emphasized the need for commitment to see the project through to completion in order for it to fully succeed.
Overall, the construction of the A1331 link road represents a significant step towards addressing housing challenges and providing essential infrastructure for the community. Despite the controversies and uncertainties surrounding the project timeline, there is a shared commitment among stakeholders to ensure its success and benefit the residents for generations to come.
