Army and Navy update
Video released: Flyover removal marks important step in new era for transport in Chelmsford
Works to remove the Army and Navy flyover have now been successfully completed.
The removal project started in February and the steel and concrete flyover was taken down section by section before being transported away for dismantling and recycling.
All 15 of the structure's spans were removed overnight to minimise traffic disruption, while the two ramps were broken up and removed on successive Sundays during the day to avoid excessive noise at night.
The main works were completed by mid-March, while follow-on activities to close the cross over areas at either end of the site, install additional safety fencing and add new lane markings were safely finished last week.
The removal of the flyover, which was a feature of the Chelmsford skyline for more than 40 years, is an important step in a new era for transport in the city.
A new video capturing the completion of the historic flyover removal project has been released today and is available on YouTube.
Thank you for your patience while these crucial works took place.
Minor road layout improvements option dropped as work continues to develop right long-term solution
One of the five initial options to improve the Army and Navy junction has now officially been discarded as work continues to develop the right long-term solution.
As part of the option review process, Essex County Council has decided that minor road layout improvements would not go far enough in reducing congestion and delays at the junction or in helping to create the desired additional capacity for pedestrians, cyclists and buses.
The four remaining options are:
- Hamburger Roundabout
- Enlarged Roundabout
- Two-way Flyover
- Separate T-Junctions
A package of cycling, walking and bus improvement measures is also being developed to complement the scheme and will form a vital part of the project. This could include a new Park and Ride site and/or expansion of the existing Sandon Park and Ride, improved bus priority on Parkway, a new Chelmsford parking strategy and improved walking and cycling facilities at the junction itself.
More detailed modelling, testing and refinement of the options will continue before a revised shortlist of potential solutions goes to full public consultation, which will help identify a preferred option.
With the flyover now removed, we want to reassure people that we are continuing to work incredibly hard on a long-term solution for the junction, despite the challenging circumstances currently facing everyone due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our project team are working from home, as per Government guidelines, and we are doing everything possible to keep the project on track.
We understand people want a solution as quickly as possible and steps are being taken to speed things up wherever we can, however we must also follow Government, legal and planning processes and ensure we achieve the right solution for Chelmsford.
Spring Budget provides welcome funding boost
The Army and Navy project received a welcome boost in the Spring Budget, with the Chancellor announcing it has been approved to proceed to the next stage of development for consideration for funding.
Funding is being pursued from the Government's Major Road Network and Large Local Majors programme, and the Department for Transport (DfT) has agreed to continuing work with us in developing a strategic outline business case for the scheme.
We also got confirmation in February that we had been successfully awarded funding for the flyover removal works.
Community to continue to play key role in helping shape junction improvements
A series of scheduled workshops with key partners unfortunately had to be cancelled last month due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Events had been due to take place with community groups, businesses, local councillors and transport groups, however the decision was taken to cancel the sessions in light of advice from the Government.
A written update was provided instead. A separate round of workshops is scheduled for later in the year and, depending on when it is deemed safe to hold such events again, we may look to host the workshops virtually.
The community will continue to play a vital role in helping shape the future of the Army and Navy junction.
If you are a representative of a community group, business or transport group in the area and believe you should be considered for future workshops, please get in touch.