A massive £3m pound cash injection has been assigned to improve safety and reduce accidents along a notorious main road which runs through Ongar and North Weald.

The money has been made available by Essex County Council for improvements on the A414 from Ongar to the M11 after their calculations found it was in greater need than other accident blackspots around the county.

The 8.5km stretch of road which has been the scene of numerous road accidents will undergo a major facelift with improvements to junctions, roundabouts, road signs, road markings, speed restrictions and safety measures.

A county council spokesman said: "The A414 had some competition from the A131 north of Halstead and the A133 Colchester to Clacton road both of which were identified as needing investment, but officers decided on the A414."

It is hoped the money will help reduce accidents and improve congestion and public transport links - leading to better journeys for Ongar and North Weald residents and regular users of the route.

Improvement along the A414 from Ongar include:

Resurfacing at a cost of £1.2m

More than £500,000 set aside for remedial schemes at the Blake Hall crossroad in Bobbingworth (including a new right turn lane).

£30,000 worth of improvements at the Hastingwood Road T-junction.

Complete re-design of B181 North Weald, Talbot roundabout and the M11 junction seven roundabout with provision for speed management measures including 'road studs' (humps).

Published Wednesday August 4, 2004

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