THIS is the first image of how Nethermayne will look once a £3.4million widening scheme of the road takes place.

The project, which has already secured £2.3million of government cash and £1.1million from Essex County Council, aims to cut congestion around Basildon Hospital.

The road would also help ease extra traffic caused by plans to build 725 homes, a school and shops on land at Dry Street, off Nethermayne.

As well as creating an extra lane between the hospital and Roundacre roundabouts, the plans, drawn up by highways chiefs at the county council, show how an extra pedestrian crossing will be created near the BP Roundacre garage.

The current crossing, near the junction with Ashdon Way, would be moved.

The layout of the junction with Ashdon Way would also be changed to see the creation of a bus lane and bus gate, whilst a bus stop – north of The Knares – would be scrapped. However, the plans have not met with the approval of everyone.

Kerry Smith, Ukip’s county councillor for Westley Heights, was unimpressed with the proposals.

He said: “The pedestrian crossing will hold up traffic and it will be very narrow along the route for pedestrians and those using motorised wheelchairs.

“I think they are trying to put a pint into a quart pot.

“If they are going to spend the money, they should do it properly and widen, then you can have two lanes going north and south with proper pedestrian access.”

Motorists and local councillors have been calling for Nethermayne to be widened for years.

Drivers often sit in lengthy delays due to traffic travelling to and from Basildon Hospital and between Basildon town centre and the A13.

A spokesman for Essex County Council said work on Nethermayne was likely to start in the New Year.

He added: “Stakeholder engagement has just commenced as part of a full communications plan, with initial meetings already held with the Ambulance Service and Basildon Hospital.

“We will continue to engage fully with all other interested parties including county councillors and residents.”

The spokesman added that an exhibition about the work was likely to take place at the end of this year.