• Huge upgrades to Junction 28 of the M25 aim to improve journey times and create smoother journeys for thousands of motorists in Essex and surrounding areas.
• Improved connectivity will help boost economic growth, creating and improving access to jobs, as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.
• The new layout will provide additional improved walking and cycling routes, encouraging active travel and providing safety improvements for motorists.

THOUSANDS of motorists are set to benefit from faster, smoother and safer journeys following an upgrade to a key junction of the M25.

The Government-funded scheme to improve Junction 28 between London and Essex saw the opening of a new section of road connecting the M25 to the A12 eastbound.

This milestone is the latest in a wide range of upgrades for motorists after three years of construction and will help ease congestion in Brentwood, Chelmsford and the surrounding areas – while also reducing the chances of collisions.

It also provides improved links to ports along the east coast, such as Felixstowe and Harwich, and was developed with the Lower Thames Crossing in mind, which the Government gave the green light for earlier this year backed by £590 million.

Delivered by National Highways, the improvements to Junction 28 of the M25 demonstrate the Government and National Highways’ commitment to ensuring road safety is always put at the forefront of road infrastructure projects.

Not only will the junction ensure motorists can enjoy smoother journeys, but improvements to existing walking and cycling routes will ensure those choosing healthy travel options can also benefit.

Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood said: “Faster journeys are vital to our growth agenda, and these upgrades will make sure motorists have smoother and more reliable journeys to work, while ensuring businesses benefit from better connectivity.

“Not only will this make towns across Essex more attractive to live and invest in, but it shows our dedication to making our roads as safe as possible. All of this is key to delivering the Government’s Plan for Change – and these improvements are another step towards this.”

National Highways has worked closely with local communities throughout the project, helping to protect wildlife, build equipment for schools, and sensitively commemorate the site’s rich history.

National Highways Project Manager, Zachary Pepper, said: “Opening this new loop road today is the latest example of how the improved Junction 28 will connect communities and create smoother journeys for thousands of drivers every day.

“Through our wide-ranging social value work, we have also provided benefits beyond just road journeys – leaving a real legacy for those living and working in Essex and east London.”

The £170 million improvements scheme started construction in 2022. It aims to address long-standing capacity issues at the junction, whilst preparing for traffic volumes that are forecast to grow 30% by 2037.

Iain McNab, Head of Policy at the Essex Chambers of Commerce said: “The A12 is an extremely busy, critical route which bisects Essex and connects the rest of East Anglia to the M25 and London. 

“All road users suffer when the roads infrastructure is not working well and the costs to business and productivity caused by congestion and delays is enormous.  So it is great news that the necessary improvements to this key junction have been completed and traffic can flow more freely once again.”