New A1331 Link Road milestone reached as first phase completed

The first phase of the new A1331 Link Road has officially opened as planned, marking a significant milestone in a major infrastructure project designed to support future development across the Tendring and Colchester border.

Once complete, the A1331 will provide a direct connection between the A120 and A133, helping to unlock the delivery of up to 7,500 new homes within the planned Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community.

The road will work alongside the proposed Rapid Transit System, ensuring that essential transport infrastructure is established before large-scale housing development takes place.

Funding for the project has been provided by Homes England, reflecting the importance of delivering transport links that can accommodate future residential growth.

Councillor Russell Quirk, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council, said: “This scheme demonstrates our commitment to assuring high-quality infrastructure is in place to support future homes, jobs and community facilities.

“I would like to thank Essex residents for their patience during construction, and for their trust that we will deliver infrastructure ahead of homes being built – so as to ensure Essex residents get real benefits from growth.”

The first phase, delivered by Octavius Infrastructure over an 18-month construction period, includes just over a mile of new dual carriageway extending from a newly built roundabout on the A133. The works have also delivered dedicated walking and cycling routes, additional roundabouts and access roads that will eventually connect with the wider development.

Environmental improvements have formed part of the project, with more than 40,000 trees and shrubs planted through an extensive landscaping programme.

Attention will now turn to Phase Two, which will complete the connection between the A133 and the A120. Funding of £65 million for the next stage was confirmed in March, with construction expected to be completed by the middle of 2030.

Councillor Mark Webster, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Infrastructure, added: “Over the coming months we will be continuing to work with Homes England, local partners and the developer to bring forward Phase Two, ensuring the important link to the A120 and the wider strategic road network is completed as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

Further information about the A1331 Link Road project is available from Essex County Council.