Questions and Answers
How is the project being funded?
The scheme is expected to be fully funded by National Highways Designated Funds. It was agreed after we (Essex County Council) successfully made the case for improved walking and cycling facilities as part of National Highways’ M25 Junction 28 Improvements project. Funding is currently available to cover the development of the scheme, while construction funding will need to be agreed separately and will be dependent on demonstrating value for money.
Why is a shared-use path proposed for most of the route rather than a segregated (separated from pedestrians) facility?)
While we strongly support providing segregated cycling facilities wherever possible and fully appreciate the benefits, there is limited space along sections of the A1023 Brook Street/London Road. Based on current cycling usage along the route, we would also struggle to make the case for the funding likely to be needed to provide segregated facilities along the route.
Why are you proposing to introduce double yellow lines along the A1023 and what parking restrictions would there be as a result?
We are proposing to introduce new double yellow lines along both sides of the A1023 Brook Street/London Road from the proposed toucan crossing near Vicarage Close to Kavanaghs Road.
The reason we are proposing to introduce the double yellow lines is to prevent drivers from parking along the route and restricting use of the proposed new shared-use path. This will also make the road safer for all users by avoiding the need for vehicles to temporarily move into the oncoming traffic lane to pass parked vehicles.
Double yellow lines mean 'no waiting at any time' and only allow parking in specific instances. You can load or unload on them providing it is continuous. Blue badge holders can also park on them for up to three hours.
More information about the types of parking restriction is available on the Parking Partnership website.
South Essex Parking Partnership is responsible for parking enforcement and the administration of parking restrictions in Brentwood.
Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) would be required to implement the proposed parking restrictions and there would be an additional opportunity to comment as part of that process.
Why are you proposing to reduce the width of the carriageway along the A1023?
We are proposing to reduce the width of the road along the A1023 in certain areas of the scheme. This would ensure we have enough space to provide a minimum 3m wide shared-use path along the majority of the route, allowing people walking and cycling to pass each other more easily and safely. Alongside a proposed reduction in the speed limit closer to the M25 junction 28 roundabout, it would also help reduce vehicle speeds and create a more pedestrian and cycling friendly environment.
Why are you proposing to close the minor access road between the A1023 Brook Street and the Mizu restaurant?
We are currently proposing to close the minor access road adjacent to the A1023 on the northern side of the carriageway near the Shell service station and Mizu restaurant. This is being proposed to provide space to create a short section of two-way segregated cycleway (separated from footway for pedestrians), a separate footway and more green space, as well as to prevent the area from being misused as parking. Access for vehicles to the service station and restaurant car park would be maintained.
Would any trees or other vegetation need to be removed as part of the scheme?
We have worked hard to limit the removal of existing vegetation as much as possible by highlighting key constraints early in the development of the scheme. Approximately five trees have been identified for removal on health and safety grounds because of their declining health. Due to their location, and considering the overall landscape, character and visual quality of the surrounding area, replacement planting has not been deemed necessary. An additional two trees have been identified for removal because of unavoidable conflicts with alignment of the scheme. These trees would be replaced with two similar species in a nearby location to provide similar screening benefits.
Sections of overgrown scrub vegetation along the scheme would also be cut back to the highway boundary in order to enable the construction of the shared-use path. The crowns of several trees would also be lifted/reduced in order to provide appropriate clearance for cyclists and pedestrians.
All arboricultural works would be carried out in accordance with best practice to protect the health of trees within and adjacent to the scheme area.
What impact would the scheme have on bus stops along the route?
We are proposing to remove the westbound bus layby near the junction with Mascalls Lane and instead provide an in-carriageway bus stop approximately 20m west of the current stop. An in-carriageway bus stop was specifically requested by Transport for London, which oversees bus services using this stop, and would help support the operation of its bus services. It would also provide additional space for the shared-use path in this area and bus passengers waiting at the stop. We have engaged with the Essex County Council passenger transport team and Transport for London to agree what we consider to be the best solution in this area and will continue to do so as the scheme is developed further to ensure it best meets the needs of all transport users. We are not proposing changes to any other bus stops along the route.
Why are you proposing to reduce the speed limit along the A1023?
We are proposing to reduce the speed limit on a section of the A1023 between the Brook Street roundabout (M25 junction 28 roundabout) and the start of the existing 30mph speed limit on the approach to the Nag's Head Lane/Wigley Bush Lane junction. This is currently a national speed limit section but would be reduced to 40mph. While our speed surveys suggest current speeds on this section are already about 40mph on average, the new speed limit would help reinforce this at all times of the day and support us in making the area safer and more pedestrian and cyclist friendly.
Why does the proposed route end at Kavanaghs Road?
The route forms the first part of a proposed wider future walking and cycling network in Brentwood, including a planned new east/west route between Havering and Brentwood known as Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) Route 1. It is hoped the remaining sections of the wider route can be delivered in the future, subject to further agreement and funding. In the meantime, pedestrians and cyclists would be able to continue from Kavanaghs Road to Brentwood Railway Station, the town centre and other destinations via existing facilities.
The route was determined during earlier design work undertaken on behalf on National Highways and as part of the consent for the M25 junction 28 improvements scheme.
When will the scheme be constructed and how will you manage disruption?
Funding for construction of the scheme will need to be agreed with National Highways and will be dependent on demonstrating value for money.
Based on the current indicative programme, construction of the scheme is currently expected to start in autumn 2025 and take approximately 12 months to complete.
Construction will be carefully managed to minimise the impact and disruption for local residents and businesses. More details will be established once a contractor is appointed to construct the scheme.
What are raised tables?
Raised tables are sections which bring the road up to the height of the pavement, making it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to cross and helping to slow vehicles and convey to motorists not to expect priority over other users. They are typically used at junctions.