Octavius has been awarded the £27 million contract for the first phase of the new A1331 near Colchester to the east of the University of Essex.

The project will provide a 1.8km dual carriageway road between a new roundabout on the A133 and the new 'Allen's Farm Roundabout' to the north. The project provides the initial infrastructure for the planned Colchester Border Garden Community, including new homes and an employment park.

In an earlier ECI stage, Octavius carried out the detailed design work for the scheme, which will ultimately link the A120 and A133, working collaboratively with Essex County Council to agree the scheme budget.


Octavius Managing Director Gavin Pritchard, said: "We are excited to have had such a successful collaboration with Essex County Council to get this project to implementation. We can now focus on delivering this vital section of new infrastructure that will enable these much-needed new homes. This is a particularly pleasing outcome and a testament to our ongoing commitment to provide sustainable transport solutions that encourage local economic growth supported through our impactful social value and local employment initiatives. The project incorporates stretching carbon and waste reduction plans, community investment and the extensive use of our local supply chain."