£81 Million Army & Navy Sustainable Transport Package Advances in Chelmsford
Chelmsford, Essex – 1 April 2026 — Essex County Council has released a new video giving residents a fresh look at ambitious plans to transform one of the city’s busiest junctions as part of the £81 million Army & Navy Sustainable Transport Package.
The project, which aims to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and promote greener travel options, centres on redesigning the existing five-arm Army & Navy roundabout into a innovative “hamburger” roundabout — a layout featuring a road running straight through the centre of the roundabout while maintaining the circular flow around it. This design is intended to keep vehicles moving more efficiently while creating better connections for pedestrians, cyclists, and buses.
A new video shared by Essex County Council this week provides detailed visuals of the proposed changes, including enhanced walking and cycling routes, bus priority measures, and improved links to areas such as Great Baddow, Moulsham, Chelmer Village, and the city centre. The scheme also incorporates Park and Ride improvements to encourage more sustainable journeys.
Key Project Updates
- Planning permission for the scheme was granted in November 2024.
- Detailed design work has now been completed.
- Discussions with landowners are ongoing, with compulsory purchase orders expected to be published next month.
- Construction is currently scheduled to start in 2028 and finish in 2031, subject to final funding approval and agreements. The project is part-funded by Essex County Council, Chelmsford City Council, and a significant contribution from the Department for Transport.
Essex County Council has described the transformation as an “unmissable opportunity” to make journeys safer, greener, and healthier. Haroona Chughtai, Director of Highways and Transport, said the project will “completely transform this vital gateway to Chelmsford.”
Local reactions to the latest visuals have been mixed, with some residents welcoming the potential for reduced congestion and better active travel options, while others have raised concerns about the scale and timeline of the works.
The “hamburger” roundabout concept was chosen following public consultation and was formally approved as the preferred option several years ago. It forms the core of the junction redesign within the wider sustainable transport package.
Residents can watch the new video on the Essex County Council YouTube channel for a closer look at how the junction and surrounding connections could look once completed.
The project continues to progress despite some adjustments due to rising costs, with further business case work and testing planned ahead of full implementation.
For more details, visit the Essex Highways website or Essex County Council’s dedicated page for the Army & Navy Sustainable Transport Package.
You can watch the video on YouTube.
Read more on the Essex Highways website.