🚧 “We’re in 2025, Not 1995”: Expert Slams A120 as Dangerous and Outdated
A leading planning expert has slammed the state of the A120 through Braintree, calling it “dangerously outdated” and accusing the government of neglecting one of Essex’s most important roads.
The A120 connects communities, jobs, and trade across the region - but campaigners say it’s still running like a relic from the past. And it’s not just inconvenient. Many believe it’s now putting lives at risk.
⚠️ Why the A120 Is Back in the Spotlight
For decades, the A120 has been the subject of promises, petitions, and political headlines — but little has changed.Parts of the route remain single carriageway, with tight turns, poor lighting, and bottlenecks that make even short journeys feel like an endurance test.
The expert, who advises local authorities on development and infrastructure, didn’t mince words:
“We’re in 2025, not 1995. The A120 should have been dualled years ago. Every day we delay this, we risk another life.”
Local drivers echo the frustration. Many describe near-misses and constant congestion — especially during rush hour and on weekends. Some sections have become accident hot spots, yet funding for long-term improvements keeps being pushed down the road.
🏗️ Plans Promised - but Where Are They?
A long-discussed A120 dualling project between Braintree and Marks Tey was once hailed as a game-changer. But after years of consultations, public support, and preliminary designs, progress has stalled again.
Officials blame rising costs and government indecision — but residents are losing patience.
“We’ve heard the same excuses for 20 years,” one commuter told Braintree Local. “Meanwhile, traffic’s doubled and safety’s halved.”
For local businesses, the problem runs deeper. Poor road connectivity means lost trade, delivery delays, and fewer investment opportunities. Some business owners are calling it the “single biggest barrier” to economic growth in the district.
🚗 What This Means for Braintree
This isn’t just about potholes - it’s about Braintree’s future. Every year the town expands with new housing, logistics, and retail developments, yet the main artery connecting it all remains bottlenecked and unsafe.
Campaigners argue that dualling the A120 could save lives, cut commute times, and open the door to sustainable growth. Others worry it could lead to more traffic and urban sprawl. Either way, few disagree that something has to change.
💬 Final Thoughts
The A120 isn’t just a road - it’s a symbol of how long-term promises can stall while everyday people pay the price. Locals are asking: How many more years, or crashes will it take before action is taken?
🗣️ What do you think? Should the A120 be the government’s next big transport priority, or is the cost too high? Drop your thoughts below.
1k
0
.png)
Braintree Police to Flood the Streets in December Crackdown Zero Tolerance Announced
Braintree Police to Deploy Extra Patrols Across the District This December
A major month-long operation is about to begin, with officers set to carry out intensified checks and targeted stops across Braintree. Residents can expect to see more police on the roads and in key areas.
03/12/2025
Stepson and Stepdad Jailed After Strangling Two Essex Police Officers During Violent Late-Night Attacks
A stepfather and stepson have been sentenced after choking two Essex police officers unconscious during a violent late-night rampage in Colchester. Residents are now asking whether the punishment goes far enough…
02/12/2025
BIN CHANGES FOR BRAINTREE COUNCIL CONFIRMS NEW 3-WEEK COLLECTIONS
Braintree residents are about to learn exactly what bins they’ll receive under the new waste system including the move to black-bin collections once every 3 weeks. Letters are being sent this month confirming each property’s set-up as the district prepares for major changes from June 2026.
02/12/2025
Hate that roundabout so much
Need to make it bigger, it’s a joke sitting in all that traffic just to get home from work