Southend-on-Sea City Council has set out proposals for highway and junction improvements, upgraded traffic signals and a digital twin of its transport network in its draft Local Transport Plan covering 2027–2045.
The plan combines infrastructure improvements with technology intended to manage congestion and improve network resilience, alongside measures to make public transport easier and more attractive to use.
Road proposals include A13 corridor safety enhancements and improvements along the Nestuda Way/Eastwoodbury Lane corridor. The council also proposes seeking developer contributions towards improvements at junctions including A127/Progress Road, Cuckoo Corner and Harp House roundabout.
Longer-term actions include assessing the feasibility of a potential outer relief link between Southend and Chelmsford and a northern link. These remain proposals for investigation rather than confirmed construction schemes.
The technology programme includes installing MOVA8 traffic signal control software at key junctions and improving Intelligent Transport Systems and Urban Traffic Management and Control. A proposed digital twin would bring together traffic, public transport, parking and active travel information, helping the council test network changes and manage congestion.
Southend has previously reported benefits from MOVA. In January, Highways News reported that the council had recorded average journey time improvements of 14% following installation at Kent Elms on the A127 (pictured). The report also identified installations at the Tesco/Bell and Cuckoo Corner junctions, with Progress Road and other intersections then scheduled to follow.
To encourage bus use, the draft proposes expanding signal priority, introducing a bus gate at Victoria Gateway and improving key corridors. It also proposes upgrading the Octopus Ticket to contactless payment accepted on local rail services, trialling flat bus fares and better coordinating bus and rail timetables.
The plan also suggests investigating Thames river transport for business and leisure users. Separately, its freight proposals include consolidation and cleaner last-mile deliveries. It also suggests exploring an Elizabeth Line extension to Southend and faster services linking Southend Victoria, Southend Airport and London.
The council says delivery of all actions is subject to funding. Residents, businesses and other stakeholders can respond through the public consultation, which closes on 17 November.
(Picture – Mapillary)
