Need to upgrade roads heightened by Harwich's Freeport status
Harwich and Felixstowe were granted Freeport status in the 2021 Budget
Last updated 16th Mar 2021
Attention is now focused on upgrading a major road in Essex following the approval of Freeport East.
The project, which included the Port of Felixstowe and Harwich International Port, was granted by the Chancellor.
According to Essex Highways, the approval and now focused attention on the A120 between Hare Green and Harwich, described locally as a "farm track".
The road is an important route to the coastal town and also provides a link to Felixstowe.
Highways England is currently progressing plans for a dual-carriageway upgrade of the road from Braintree to the A12, and it's hoped similar improvements will be in store for the A120.
Deputy Leader of Essex County Council, Councillor Kevin Bentley, said: "The creation of Freeport East paves the way for a major economic boost to the area and to maximise this we need a transport network that matches the ambition.
“It is well known that the A120, the only single carriageway road in the country with an airport at one end and an international port at the other, is woefully unfit for purpose.
“Every day businesses endure costly delays and have to deal with unreliable journey times caused by congestion and accidents on the road which is one of just three east-west routes in the east of England, yet a key economic growth corridor.
“As the benefits of Freeport status begin to take effect this situation will only get worse and we must not take our eye off the vital need to upgrade the A120.”
Highways England is working to come up with a preferred route for the new carriageway from Braintree early next year, with a route between Braintree and Kelvedon found as the favoured option during a consultation
Meanwhile, Over 500 people, including MPs and businesses, have signed a petition backing investment into an upgraded A120.
Cllr Bentley added: "Our planning work for the Braintree to A12 dual carriageway scheme demonstrated an economic benefit of £2.2 billion through new jobs, business and housing together with a dramatic improvement in road safety.
“Couple this with the benefits of Freeport East plus new opportunities from the conclusion of Brexit and the economic advantages are plain for all to see, particularly if we can also begin planning an upgrade between Hare Green and Harwich, a section of the road described locally as no better than a ‘farm track’.
“I am pleased to see Highways England making progress and hope this continues so we look forward to the improvements being delivered at the earliest possible opportunity.”