PLANS for a new junction on the M11 near Harlow have moved closer to reality today (Tuesday) after the preferred location for the junction and proposals for improving the link to and including Gilden Way were agreed by Cabinet.

The plans for Junction 7a along the M11 aim to:

create a key east/west link to help move traffic smoothly out of Harlow onto the M11
reduce congestion on the north/south links through Harlow and towards Junction 7
provide opportunities for housing and business developments.
Essex County Council cabinet members met today to review the responses to a recent public consultation and listen to views from members of the public. After responding to these, the Cabinet backed the plans.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Infrastructure, said: “This is great news for the people of Harlow and Essex as a whole.

“Junction 7a offers a much-needed link for residents and business across west Essex to the rest of the country.

“Modern transport infrastructure is vital to support business growth, which in turn helps the county prosper.

“That is why I will be pushing hard to ensure we work with partners to deliver this improvement to the M11as soon as possible.”