Essex Country Council (ECC) has secured £100m funding for new transport infrastructure in Colchester and Tendering from the UK government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF).
The investment will support the design and delivery of the new Colchester Rapid Transit System (RTS) and a new link road between the A120 and A133.
The RTS project will reportedly see an unprecedented investment in public transport in Colchester, linking key destinations across the town through the creation of a transit corridor.
It will offer regular services from the Park and Ride on the A12, through the town to the new Garden Community and ultimately a transport hub located off the new link road.
David King, Colchester Borough Council portfolio holder for business and resources, said: “[The project] is a huge step in our drive to bring more sustainable transport infrastructure to North Essex.
“Done well, it should not only help those still needing to use their cars but make it more attractive and easier to travel by public transport, reduce congestion and help improve air quality and quality of life.
“It will also help provide the connectivity businesses in the area need to rebuild and flourish once again following the impact of Covid -19.”
Additionally, a link road will form part of a new Garden Community being designed in collaboration with Colchester Borough and Tendring District Councils. The development will include an integrated network of cycling and walking routes.
According to ECC, the link road and RTS are due to be operational by 2024 in line with the first phase of the Garden Community.
