MORE than £2million has been set aside to help cut congestion on the A120.

The £2.5million has been set aside as part of Braintree Council’s £28million district investment strategy.

Galley’s Corner roundabout will be the focus of heavy investment and it is also hoped access will be improved to Braintree town centre with the construction of new slip roads connecting to Millennium Way, at Freeport Village.

It is hoped the scheme will cut traffic by 15 per cent, removing about 500 vehicle movements during both the morning and evening peak periods.

As a result, council bosses hope the town will be better connected with London and Stansted.

A Braintree Council spokesman said: “Options appraisals have been undertaken by Highways England, which has responsibility for the strategic road network.

“Analysis of options has concluded that the construction of new on and off slip roads connecting the A120 to Millennium Way represents the most effective solution.”

Council chiefs say the improvements will help deliver the district’s local plan and connect the town to potential housing sites in Bocking and Great Notley, as well as creating new jobs.

Braintree Council’s proposals are being developed to compliment the longer-term improvements for the A120 that are being proposed by Highways England.

Essex County Council is working closely with Highways England to produce a feasibility study into works for the A120 and A12.

Some £5million funding has been set aside for the study, which will be matched by another £4million from the Government.

Whilst the budget for proposals has not yet been announced it is expected to be between £500million and £750million.

The council has insisted the development will not purely be a cost exercise and residents’ concerns raised during the consultation, which opens in January 2017, will be considered.

A number of consultation meetings will be held with the parish councils effected by the proposals.