Essex County Council has confirmed it has not yet appointed a contractor for the Fairglen Interchange revamp, despite councillors agreeing to appoint one at a county council meeting in October last year.
The council has told the Echo it is looking to appoint a contractor “as soon as possible”, however fears have been raised the project, which was due to see works starting this year, could be delayed.
Revamp – Project at the Fairglen Interchange (Image: Archive)
Kerry Smith, Independent Basildon councillor for Nether Mayne, has urged the council to get on with the plans which are “important” to residents for easing congestion in the area.
Mr Smith, cabinet member for housing and property, said: “It does not surprise me a contractor has yet to be appointed, that’s how incompetent they are. It makes the case for local government reorganisation.
“The A127 is a main road through the area and the Fairglen Interchange revamp is an important part of improving traffic there.
“Common sense tells you if you have a plan to improve the traffic, you get it done. I’m not surprised it could be delayed, without a doubt, I imagine it will be delayed.”
Kerry Smith (Image: Archive)
Mr Smith believes the council should have appointed a contractor on the “other side of Christmas”.
“The project is vital, it will improve the economy of south Essex through better connectivity,” he added.
“The government threatened a congestion charge on the A127 five years ago, you have cars stuck crawling along there, these works will improve that and the air quality in the area.
“They 100 per cent need to get on with it.”
The revamp, which has been hit by a series of delays in recent years, would see a one-way link road allowing drivers to skip several miles of the A130 and join the A127 before travelling to Southend without using the Rayleigh Spur roundabout.
A spokesman for Essex County Council said: “We look forward to appointing a contractor as soon as possible, with a specific timetable due to be confirmed after appointment.”
Council bosses are yet to reveal the firm which will be chosen to carry out work at the junction, which links the A130, A127 and A13.