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Removing funding for Essex A127 scheme is disaster, says council
Overview
The government has been criticised by businesses and Essex County Council for scrapping funding for the A127 Economic Growth Corridor improvement scheme. The road, which carries over 80,000 vehicles a day, was slated for upgrades including straightening the Fortune of War junction and adding an extra eastbound lane. The Department for Transport stated that the project was not funded by the previous government and that difficult decisions were necessary due to inherited financial challenges. Local business representatives expressed frustration over traffic delays and the lack of infrastructure investment.
Key points
- The government has scrapped promised funding for the A127 Economic Growth Corridor project in Essex.
- Essex County Council described the decision as a disaster and the latest blow to the county's economy.
- The A127 carries over 80,000 vehicles daily and suffers from frequent incidents and traffic delays.
- The cancelled improvement scheme included straightening the Fortune of War junction and adding an eastbound lane.
- The Department for Transport stated the project was not funded previously and cited difficult decisions due to a challenging financial picture.
- Local businesses said that delays on the road negatively impact operations and costs.