The Bell Junction Improvements
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The A127 has undergone a number of improvements at strategic junctions starting with Progress Road and Cuckoo Corner in 2010/11, Tesco Roundabout in 2014/15, Kent Elms completed in 2018 and The Bell will be completed 2021. Those schemes that have been completed to date have improved the performance at each of the junctions and have contributed to an improved A127 corridor. The Bell scheme will also manage traffic better and contribute to improved air quality.
We are now focusing on improvements at The Bell Junction, £4.3m funding to support improvements at The Bell junction is from the Local Growth Fund via the South East Local Enterprise Partnership. The Council is also contributing £0.72m.
Consultation
An eight week consultation that started in July 2019 offered three options, all aimed at reducing queuing traffic and improving air quality at this key junction on the A127.
Three proposals were put to residents and businesses, with two public drop-in sessions held - one at Prince Avenue Primary school, and one at Earls Hall Primary school - where engineers were on hand to provide information on each of the three options.
369 people responded to the consultation which took place in summer 2019, with 81% indicating their preference for option 2 or 3 which included the main aspects incorporated into the final design.
The feedback was carefully reviewed from the consultation to inform the design to be implemented.
The Design
The final design for The Bell junction improvement works has been revealed, with preliminary works set to step up in the New Year.
The design for the £5m junction upgrade, which will be largely funded from the Government’s Local Growth Fund (£4.3m), includes:
- a new dedicated left-turn lane onto Rochford Road;
- extending the right-turn lane onto Hobleythick Lane;
- better pedestrian facilities on Rochford Road by providing a traffic-signal pedestrian crossing;
- better pedestrian facilities on Hobleythick Lane by providing a new pedestrian island;
- banning the right-turn onto Rochford Road, in order to free up more “green light” time for motorists going straight ahead along the A127 in both directions, and improve pedestrian facilities
- removing the footbridge, which does not comply with disability discrimination legislation because of the lack of ramps.
Construction
A127 The Bell Junction improvements scheme started on 1st September 2020 and is expected to be complete Summer 2021.
Our contractor, (Eurovia) is carrying out the improvements and will follow current Covid-19 government guidance with off-peak lane closures in operation between 9am and 3pm for much of the duration of this work.
During these works a Public Liaison Officer will be on-site to update local residents, businesses and drivers about any possible disruptions.
School crossing patrol officers are in place across the A127 during term times.
For further information email bettersouthend@southend.gov.uk.