A MAJOR multi-million pound road development in Harlow that was opened with a fanfare of publicity continues to remain closed.

As readers may recall, the new Cambridge Road junction with River Way and the Templefields Industrial Estate was officially opened on Friday 1 August.

Tory councillors from Harlow, Essex, Hertfordshire all came along to congratulate themselves on what a fantastic job had been done……………

Soon after it was suddenly closed.

At the time, a spokesperson said: “Following the completion of work, a technical legal issue has arisen regarding the transfer of land. 

“Unfortunately this has meant that a temporary closure has had to be put in place.

“We are working to reopen the junction as soon as possible, and in the meantime vehicles accessing Templefields can continue to do so via Edinburgh Way”.

We asked for a follow up in September and got the same answer.

As we enter nearly four months since the opening and sudden closing, we thought we would ask again.

A spokesperson for Essex Highways said: “Following the completion of works, a technical legal issue has arisen over the transfer of land. Unfortunately, this has meant a temporary closure had to be put in place. 

“We are working to reopen the junction as soon as possible. In the meantime, vehicles accessing Templefields can continue to do so via Edinburgh Way.”

We will keep following the story.

Below is the press release for the original story.

The project was funded as part of the £171 million investment by Homes England through the Housing Investment Grant, with a contribution from Harlow’s Towns Deal award. It was also supported by Hertfordshire County Council and Harlow and Gilston Garden Town (HGGT).

As a pioneering new town, Harlow is undergoing significant transformation. This project marks the beginning of an exciting time for Harlow. The town will see significant investment, growth opportunities and a joined up and collaborative approach to transport infrastructure delivery.

The new junction is one of many developments happening in Harlow that will help future proof the town as it grows. The work taking place at Cambridge Road, and the new Sustainable Transport Corridor development are key to supporting this growth and ensuring the right infrastructure is in place to support future house building as part of the HGGT.

Deputy to the Leader with principal accountabilities on Major Infrastructure Projects and Freeports at Essex County Council and representative on the HGGT Joint Committee, Councillor Lesley Wagland, said: “Connectivity is absolutely crucial and most of the people I speak with have moved on from being categorised as ‘not in my back yard’ and just want to see the appropriate infrastructure.

“Road schemes always take a long while and it’s a huge thank you to everyone who not only lobbied and delivered this project but also had to bear with it.”

Portfolio Holder for the Garden Town and Planning at Harlow Council, Councillor Alistair Gunn, said: “Having provided £1.5 million towards the new Cambridge Road junction works through the £23.7 million Towns Fund that Harlow Council secured, it is very welcome that the road is now open.

“One of Harlow Council’s missions is to secure investment for the town’s future and this upgrade to our infrastructure is a good example of that in action.

“Indeed, the new junction is already supporting Harlow businesses on River Way.

“It is providing improved access and making the Templefields employment area even more attractive for major private investment, as we’ve seen with the recent arrival of LT Foods – a global rice manufacturer who have invested £7 million in their new state of the art facility and aim to provide up to 100 new jobs.”

Looking ahead to the future Garden Town, the Cambridge Road junction will help manage future traffic demand and support future housing plans.

It will also create sustainable access to the seven Gilston villages and the proposed new community for East of Harlow as well as existing areas in New Hall and Gilden Park.