The A12 Hatfield Peverel to Witham link road has taken another step forward with the publication this week by the Highways Agency of a preferred route.

Transport minister Lord Whitty said: "I know this scheme will be widely welcomed by local people.

"The improvements proposed by the Highways Agency will significantly reduce the accident rate on this busy section of the A12 and provide a safer route for local traffic."

The £3.9 million road will help relieve a stretch of the A12 which has seen several serious accidents over recent years, by taking local traffic off the trunk road.

The scheme provides for a two-way link south of the present road, with the construction of a new exit slip road from the A12 at Witham and improvements to the two junctions with the B1389 and the entry and exit slip roads at Witham.

The present entry and exit slip roads at Hatfield Peverel will be closed.

Draft orders for the scheme are expected to be published later this year and there will then be an opportunity for people to comment or object. There could then be a public inquiry, and it is hoped that work can start within two years.

Essex County Council principal engineer Colin Cranley said that the proposed route appeared similar to that preferred by Essex County Council and was to be welcomed.

He stressed that anyone who wished to object to any part of the plan should take the opportunity to do so when the draft orders were published.

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