An extra £86m has been announced to complete a new A-road near Colchester in Essex, that could link a new garden community with two major routes.

In 2019, the government provided £99.9m for the new A1331 dual carriageway link road that will connect the A133 and the A120, says the BBC, but by the time work began in 2024, the money did not cover the full cost because of inflation.

Sir Bernard Jenkin, Harwich and North Essex’s Conservative MP, who had described the A1331 as “a road to nowhere”, welcomed the additional investment.

“I am very pleased the government has come up with this money and the road will now definitely be built,” he said.

Of the extra £86m, the government is providing £65m through Homes England, its housing and regeneration agency.

Developer Latimer is funding £21m, according to Essex County Council.

(Picture: Essex Highways)