ESSEX County Council (ECC) had a very positive and constructive meeting with the Highways Agency this week, in which the development of the major trunk roads across Essex was discussed.

ECC and the Highways Agency have agreed to establish regular meetings with other partner organisations, looking specifically at the A12, A120 and M11 corridors.

The Highways Agency is currently working on a programme of ‘route based strategies’ which will determine how priorities for investment and enhancement for the trunk network will be progressed. A route-based strategy for the A12/A120 was published earlier this year, and will continue to be developed alongside the new route based strategy covering the M11.

County Councillor Rodney L Bass, Cabinet Member for Highways & Transportation said: “We have had a very positive discussion with the Highways Agency, and we will now be holding regular meetings with them and other local partners, as we seek to influence improvements for the major roads through Essex.

“We were particularly encouraged to hear that the Government has recognised the A12 as an ‘expressway’, proving that it is nearly as important as a motorway, and should therefore be maintained as such. Major arterial roads such as the A12, A120 and M11 are hugely important to the prosperity and future economic growth of the County, so we will continue to work with partner organisations to identify key pinch-points for future targeted investment.”

Alan Kirkdale, Asset Development Manager for the Highways Agency said: “We have had a very productive meeting with Essex County Council this week. Different counties have different priorities and needs; working with local authorities is an essential part of building informative and accurate route based strategies. These strategies will provide a clear evidence base to inform our future investment decisions in Essex and across our national road network. I look forward to continuing our positive working relationship.”