More than two years of disruption caused by the upgrade of a major junction on the outskirts of Bishop’s Stortford is set to end this month – but highways chiefs are unable to give an exact date for completion.
Major works for the Essex County Council (ECC) scheme, being carried out by contractor John Sisk & Son, which included upgrading junction 8 of the M11 and replacing Birchanger roundabout with a signalised junction, began early in 2022, but have been beset with delays.
Essex CC said in 2018 the work would start in Spring 2019 and would last two years. Five years on and it is still to be completed and in that time a new junction 7A has been constructed on the M11.
Contractors have come up against issues surrounding utility works and drainage and problems with the weather.
Drivers trying to access the M11 at junction 8 via the intersection of Birchanger Lane, the A120 and A1250 Dunmow Road, have suffered severe delays and the subsequent backlash has led to businesses around Bishop’s Stortford losing trade and students late for schools.
Many residents have questioned the need for the change at Birchanger roundabout, but highways chiefs insist it will improve access between the M11 and A120 with Stansted Airport, Bishop’s Stortford, Birchanger Green Services and Takeley.
They also say it will reduce congestion and support future plans for housing, employment and business developments.
Essex Highways’ website states work planned includes completion of traffic signal installation on the A120, installation of lighting columns and the planting of hedges, trees and shrubbery on Birchanger Lane, the A120 and the A1250.
A spokesman for Essex CC said the scheme would be completed “by the end of May”.