Improvements to Chelmsford's transport network have moved a big step forward this week.
We have agreed a contract with Network Rail for construction of Beaulieu Park Station. This contract means the station will be complete in 2025.
Homes England has also signalled support for the plan to build the Chelmsford North-East Bypass in phases. This will improve connectivity to the station once in place.
Both projects will receive funding from the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund. Homes England manages the fund. Development of both schemes has continued while the discussions have taken place.
When complete, the Chelmsford North-East Bypass will provide a new 4.6km route. This will link the Beaulieu Park development and a new roundabout on the A131 at Chatham Green. The first phase will see the southern section built first.
Advanced works for the construction of the bypass are underway.
Work on the station so far has included groundworks and piling for the new platforms. Railway track works are set to take place over the Christmas period this year.
The new station at Beaulieu will include:
- three platforms with a central loop line and new tracks to enable stopping services to call at the station
- step free access to all platforms via 2 lifts
- ticketing facilities, with ticket vending machines and a gate line
- accessible toilets, baby change facilities, waiting area and space for retail/catering
- parking for over 700 cars, 5% of which is for Blue Badge bays and motorcycle spaces
- pick up and drop off area with dedicated taxi bays
- a bus interchange including bus stands for local services
- 500 spaces for cycle parking and storage
- pedestrian and cycle access routes to the station
Essex County Council Leader, Councillor Kevin Bentley said:
Beaulieu Park Railway Station and the Chelmsford North-East Bypass present an opportunity for the economy of Chelmsford and greater Essex like no other. These projects, once they are both complete, will not only improve connections to London and elsewhere in the east of England, but greatly reduce pressure on Chelmsford Station and ease congestion on the surrounding roads.
These developments enable the growth of this county for generations to come. They will encourage a more sustainable approach to travelling, as well as ensuring the transport network in Chelmsford and the surrounding areas is fit for the future.
We’ve worked hard with our partners to get to this point in both of the developments, including the local MPs and colleagues at Chelmsford City Council and Braintree District Council, and with the agreement of Homes England and Network Rail on how we plan to deliver these pieces of transformational transport infrastructure projects we can ensure progress continues and both projects are delivered when they are needed.