Vital improvements to Junction 8 of the M11 near Stansted

Essex Highways has published plans to improve Junction 8 of the M11 and the nearby A120/A1250 Dunmow Road junction to address worsening congestion and capacity issues currently experienced in the area at peak times.

The M11 and A120 are important north-south and east-west routes respectively for the region, connecting Essex to the rest of the country and providing access to one of the region’s major airports at M11 Junction 8.

However, Junction 8 of the M11 and the A120/A1250 Dunmow Road roundabout suffer from congestion and are severely lacking capacity at peak times. These issues are likely to worsen in future because of additional traffic from planned developments in the north of Bishop’s Stortford, as well as local growth planned in east Hertfordshire and Uttlesford.

The proposals, which include adding extra lanes to the M11 Junction 8 slip roads and replacing the A120/A1250 Dunmow Road roundabout with a signalised junction, will enhance traffic movement, support local plan delivery and future investment.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure said: “Junction 8 on the M11 can often become a pinch point for residents and businesses using the M11, A120 and London Stansted Airport. Upgrades will improve access to key routes, reduce congestion and improve capacity on the exit slip roads. All of these improvements are done with a look ahead to supporting future housing, employment and business developments happening in the area, ensuring Essex’s economy is supported with the right infrastructure and investment.”

Following a successful bid in 2017 for the Department for Transport’s National Productivity Investment Fund, Essex Highways can now to move forward with our plans to improve Junction 8 of the M11 and A120 West. It is expected that advance works will begin this winter, with the full construction phase starting in Spring 2019 and lasting around two years.

There will be an opportunity to discuss the scheme with members of the project team at two public information events:

Thursday, 13 September, 12:00 – 18:00, Bishop’s Stortford Football Club
Friday, 14 September, 14:00 – 20:00, Birchanger Village Hall

Before construction starts, Essex Highways will contact local groups, residents and businesses directly affected by the scheme proposals. Information will also be published on a dedicated M11 Junction 8 page on the Essex County Council website www.essex.gov.uk/m11junction8. This will include work phases and plans for traffic management as details become available.