A12 upgrade approved by ministers
The dual carriageway will be widened from two lanes to three, despite Chelmsford locals objections
The government has approved a project to widen the A12 motorway between Chelmsford (junction 19) and the A120 (junction 25). The plan involves increasing the number of lanes from two to three in each direction, improving junctions 19 and 25, removing junctions 20a, 20b, and 23, relocating junctions 21, 22, and 24 for better functionality, and introducing two bypasses.
The application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration by National Highways on August 15, 2022. After acceptance for examination on September 12, 2022, a six-month examination period followed. During this time, the public, Statutory Consultees, and Interested Parties were given the opportunity to provide evidence to the Examining Authority.
Recommendations resulting from the examination were submitted to the Secretary of State on October 12, 2023. This project marks the 129th Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project and the 49th transport application to undergo examination within the Planning Act 2008 timelines.
Paul Morrison, Chief Executive of the Planning Inspectorate, noted, "The Planning Inspectorate has now examined more than 100 nationally significant infrastructure projects since the Planning Act 2008 process was introduced, ensuring local communities have had the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them."
Morrison emphasized community involvement during the six-month Examination, stating, "Local communities continue to be given the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them. Local people, the local authority, and other Interested Parties were able to participate in this six-month Examination."