Chelmsford business leaders urge for road upgrades as new station opens
They say the first new rail stop in Essex for over a century is a welcome step, but warn that economic growth depends on improvements to key routes like the A12 and A120.
Business leaders say the opening of Chelmsford’s new Beaulieu Park Station marks a positive step for Essex’s transport network, but believe more investment is needed in the county’s main roads to unlock its full potential.
The new station, in north-east Chelmsford, is the first to open on the Great Eastern Main Line in more than 100 years and cuts journey times to London to around 40 minutes. It is expected to improve connections for thousands of commuters and strengthen links between Essex and the capital.
Tim Price, from the Essex Chambers of Commerce, said the station would help businesses that trade with London, but called for faster progress on major road projects.
He said: “The opening of Beaulieu Park Station is significant for Chelmsford and North Essex. A lot of businesses trade with customers in London, so being able to get there in 40 minutes is a major improvement. But it needs to be viewed in the wider context of Greater Essex.”
He said the county’s £55 billion economy relies heavily on good infrastructure, and warned that without upgrades to key roads such as the A12 and A120, future growth could be held back.
“Continued investment in infrastructure is required, particularly the A12 and the A120,” he said. “Business expectations will be that those projects move forward to unlock further potential in Essex.”
Mr Price also highlighted how investment in the A120 could improve access to Stansted Airport, where thousands of new jobs are expected to be created in the coming years.
“The A12 not being included in the most recent government decisions was a disappointment,” he said. “The A120 is equally important. Upgrading it would open up areas of North Essex where unemployment is higher and help people reach new opportunities, particularly at Stansted.”
He said Beaulieu Park Station should be seen as a starting point rather than the final step in improving Essex’s transport network.
“This is a great start and we should celebrate it,” he said, “but it needs to be the beginning of a wider plan to deliver the infrastructure needed for Essex’s future growth.”