A new junction on the M11 will open to the public ahead of schedule today, following the completion of one of the biggest highways infrastructure projects in Essex.
The £76 million M11 Junction 7A scheme has created a much-needed new access into Harlow and included widening and improvement of Gilden Way, plus a new link road connecting Gilden Way and the junction via new roundabouts on either side of the motorway.
As part of the project, Essex County Council with its contractor GRAHAM has built a new bridge over the motorway, constructed slip roads for both northbound and southbound traffic, and improved walking and cycling access on Gilden Way.
Funded by the council and National Highways, the new junction completes a project started in summer 2020.
Cllr Lesley Wagland, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Renewal, Infrastructure and Planning, said: ““Today marks the opening of one of the largest highways infrastructure projects in the county and it is testament to all involved that, despite the challenges of the last two years, the project has been delivered ahead of schedule.
“We have created a much-needed new east-west link, significantly improving access to the M11 at Harlow. This, in turn, will help reduce congestion on the A414 and other routes in the town and also support future growth, including the potential creation of up to 3,000 new jobs."
The junction will open to traffic this evening (Friday, 10 June) and follows a formal opening event yesterday (Thursday, 9 June), when the junction was opened by Cllr Wagland and Harlow MP Robert Halfon.
The public, whom the council thanked for their patience during construction of the scheme, were also given a unique opportunity to see the final scheme up close before it opened to traffic during a 5km charity fun run, which was supported by Harlow Running and Tri Club and Active Essex.