A12 Chelmsford to A120 Widening Scheme

The problem:

The A12 is one of the busiest roads in the East of England, serving as a strategic link between Chelmsford and Colchester, and connecting major ports and the M25. This section of the A12, particularly between junctions 19 (Boreham Interchange) and 25 (Marks Tey Interchange), carries up to 90,000 vehicles daily, with a significant proportion of heavy goods vehicles due to its importance as a freight route. This high traffic volume leads to severe congestion, particularly during peak hours, resulting in slow travel speeds and delays. The road's current design also poses safety risks, especially at junctions and slip roads.

The solution:

The proposed solution is to upgrade and widen the 25km stretch of the A12 between Chelmsford and the A120. This involves converting the existing road into a dual carriageway with new grade-separated junctions, improving safety and reducing congestion. The scheme aims to make journey times more reliable, saving motorists up to 1.5 hours per week, and to divert long-distance traffic back onto the A12, easing the burden on local roads and communities. Additionally, the project will enhance conditions for walkers, cyclists, horse riders, and public transport users, providing better connections and safer journeys.

What did MI Engineers do:

• Conducted all early-stage capital works estimates to identify the best-performing solutions.
• Refined estimates throughout the optioneering and development stages, supporting preferred route decisions, public consultations, Development Consent Order submissions, and the client’s business cases.
• Developed long-term operation and maintenance estimates to inform the economic assessment for Benefit to Cost Ratio calculations.
• Established the client’s budget for market engagement.
• Led budget negotiation activities with the preferred supplier to secure a contract agreement satisfactory to both parties.
• Produced the final estimates for use in the client’s Final Business Case.

‍