A PUBLIC consultation period into huge plans to expand the A12 to three lanes along a 15-mile stretch has ended.

The plans are to upgrade the A12 to three lanes, adding an extra lane between Chelmsford and Marks Tey.

This would be part of a billion-pound upgrade to the road, specifically targeting the stretch between Junctions 19 and 25.

Upon completion by the end of 2028, National Highways have said that it will reduce journey times by up to 12 minutes for the 90,000 drivers that use it daily.

Previously, there had been design developments, ground investigations and surveys before the public consultation occurred.

Stephen Elderkin, project director for the A12 Chelmsford to A120 widening scheme, explained how the expansion will be a positive move for commuters and the economy.

He said: “The A12 is a key route which helps to support 90,000 drivers go about their business on a daily basis.

“Upgrading this section to three lanes will help with economic growth of the region and keep the country connected.

“It will also improve safety by connecting local roads via new junctions rather than turning directly on to the A12, increase capacity, and make journey times more reliable. “

Members of the public were previously invited to have their opinions heard in a six-week supplementary consultation.

The month and a half consultation reached its end on December 19, with many members of the community coming to have their say on the plans.

During this period, National Highways held three in-person events in Hatfield Peverel, Colchester, and Witham.

These events saw over 230 people join in to talk to project experts and see the consultation material in person.

There were also three online drop-in events with the project team and a virtual exhibition room.

Following this consultation, all feedback received during the six week period will be formally reviewed by the project team, before then being compiled into a consultation report.

This report will then form part of a planning application for a Development Consent Order (DCO), which National Highways expect to submit in 2022.