A multi-million pound funding bid to straighten a key junction on the A127 has been submitted by Essex County Council alongside a host of additional measures. 

The council has submitted a strategic outline case to the Department for Transport, with proposed improvements including realigning and straightening the Fortune of War junction.

This is for a proposed package of improvements on the A127 – the next stage of the bidding process for major roads network funding.

Additional work would see an eastbound lane created between the Halfway House and Dunton junctions. 

Further improvements will be made to the walking and cycling route along the A127 in the same area and a walking and cycling route from the Fortune of War to Basildon town centre, alongside bus stop upgrades.

Based on the current programme, planning applications are expected to be submitted in 2026 and construction is scheduled to start in 2027.

Tom Cunningham, Essex County Councillor responsible for  highways, infrastructure and sustainable transport, said: “The A127 is a critically important corridor which provides a strategic link between London and South Essex, the region’s ports and London Southend Airport.

“People regularly experience congestion and delay at key junctions along the corridor, leading to unreliable journey times and negative impacts on our economy.

“It is therefore vital that improvements are made to the A127 to help support the future growth and prosperity of south Essex.

“Our proposals are a crucial first step and will improve key pinch points along this section of the A127, helping to reduce congestion, support growth, improve sustainable transport options, and provide more efficient and reliable access to the M25 and wider strategic road network.

“A lot of work has been needed to get us to this point and this is a significant milestone in bidding to secure the funding needed to deliver this important package of measures.”