Freight News
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New bypass
for Al2?
CHELMSFORD bypass, the only sub-standard section along the main London to Ipswich road, is a vital link that should be built without further delays, said the British Road Federation.
In a written submission to the bypass public inquiry, the BRF said it favoured the southern route, also preferred by the Department of Transport, and said its early completion should be considered a matter of national priority.
"Even if the scheme starts as planned in 1984-85,20 years will have elapsed from the time the scheme entered the preparation pool to completion," the Federation pointed out.
"This is far too long to wait for a vital link in the UK primary road network. Clearly the fault lies in Britain's inept approach and attitudes to road planning."
The BRF submission to the inquiry, which opened in Chelmsford on September 7, said the bypass will complete the improvement of the Al2 from London to the East Coast ports to high standard dual-carriageway.
It will also improve traffic conditions and flows between East Anglia, the Haven Ports and London and the South East, using the new M25 London outer-orbital motorway, reduce heavy traffic along the existing road and divert traffic away from Chelmsford town centre. Environmental improvements to the area will be considerable, the BRF pointed out.
The Federation favoured the E32m southern route as it would be environmentally more acceptable and cause much less disruption during its construction. It would involve the demolition of only three houses instead of 60, as could be the case if the other route was used.