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TPI Info
A120 Stansted to Braintree
A120 Stansted to Braintree Bypass
The Scheme
Traffic on the existing A120 caused problems of road safety, delay and adverse effects such as noise, air pollution and vibration. With Stansted airport growing by the day together with the growth of existing traffic, this meant that the existing road was incapable of carrying the forecast flow of traffic, and a new route was needed.
Various alternative routes were considered in economic and environmental teams. Some of the options considered used large lengths of the disused railway between Takeley and Rayne, while others passed close to large centres of population. All routes had some adverse environmental impacts. In order to assist the country council to reach its decision on the preferred option, two public consultation exercises were held, at which views were received from Local Authorities, interest groups and members of the public. The route chosen was preferred because it keeps away from the major centres or population, and passes through largely agricultural land.
Like all other route options, the preferred route has some adverse environmental effects. It has been subjected to detailed environmental and engineering appraisal with modifications being made to minimise environmental damage. Please see Environmental section.
The scheme utilises the Stansted Airport approach road, then run eastwards towards Great Dunmow, passing north of Takeley. It crosses the existing A120 near Highway Wood, to pass to the south of Great Dunmow. The route then runs close to the existing road towards Rayne, joining the new Rayne bypass, to which a second carriageway has been added. It ties into the Braintree bypass with a new junction at the A131 south of Braintree.
The road is be a limited access all-purpose road. There are no accesses to the adjacent land or existing roads except for junctions at the airport, the existing A120 near High Wood, the A130 south of Great Dunmow, the B1417 at Gransmore Green, and at Panners/A131 south of Braintree.
Street lighting is provided at the airport access road and at all junctions but not on the main route. Lay-bys are along the route together with two rest areas southwest of Great Dunmow providing parking, toilet and picnic facilities.
