MULTI-MILLION pound plans to transform the A127 have been backed by the Government in its latest budget.

Essex County Council will now develop a business case for the major works, including straightening the Fortune of War junction and improving the slip roads at the Half Way House pub and Warley junctions.

Highways bosses say the three projects will cost about £22million.

The authority says the cash will allow the Fortune of War junction to be straightened and move power cables in a bid to help reduce poor air quality at the busy junction.

No timescales have been published for the work as yet and more details are expected to be published in the coming weeks.

Kevin Bentley, deputy leader of Essex County Council, said it shows the reality is now one step closer.

He said: “Essex County Council is delighted to see the budget announcement last week that confirmed the submission of interest we had submitted to the Department of Transport Major Route Network fund for the A127 has been approved and we have been invited to submit a full business case for the proposals as a result.

“This is a step further in unlocking £22million of much needed investment in one of the county’s busiest routes.”

Last week, diagrams obtained exclusively by the Echo show a new footbridge could be built over the A127, along with a new slip road, joining from High Road, Laindon, travelling towards London.

If agreed, the existing slip road to get onto High Road from Southend will also be extended.

The plans have been strongly backed by Rayleigh and Wickford MP, Mark Francois.