Calls to turn a main route onto Canvey into a £45million dual carriageway may fall by the roadside because of the huge cost, it has been revealed.

Anger erupted at a public meeting last night when councillors heard Canvey Way might not be dualled as part of a major road improvements programme.

Dozens of councillors from Castle Point and Basildon turned out for the South Essex Area Forum to learn the findings of a public consultation into plans to end road chaos.

Paul Wilkinson, principal transportation planner at Essex County Council, suggested it might not be possible to fund the proposal. He said: "It will cost £1.2million just for layout without construction. Is it worth putting forward that much money with the possibility of not getting funding for construction?

"It would cost £45million to dual Canvey Way. We need to make sure we are achieving all the benefits and getting funding."

Published Thursday, June 19, 2003

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