News Release

10th May 2005

Hutchison Ports Commissions Study into A120 Improvements


10-May-2005

Hutchison Ports (UK) Limited (HPUK) has appointed Bullen Consultants to undertake a study of the A120 road into Harwich. The study, known technically as a ‘Stage 1 Study’, follows the conclusion of the Public Inquiry into the Bathside Bay development proposals in October 2004. HSL, who advised HPUK during the Bathside Bay and Felixstowe South Public Inquiries, have been retained to manage the study.

The study will focus upon the section of the A120 between Hare Green and the proposed Bathside Bay Container Terminal entrance, to the east of the Parkeston Roundabout. The study is expected to take about 36 weeks to complete.

The broad objectives of the study are to evaluate the options for improving the A120 in order to safely accommodate forecast traffic growth; to assess the most appropriate and cost effective improvement schemes; and to consider and evaluate the environmental impacts. Subject to the Bathside Bay project receiving planning permission, applications will be made, as necessary, to implement the improvements. It is hoped that any improvements will be completed by the year 2011.

The Public Inquiry into HPUK’s proposed Bathside Bay Container Terminal at Harwich sat between 20th April and 21st October 2004. During the proceedings, the issue of transport and, in particular, the ability of the A120 to accommodate the forecast traffic levels was discussed at length.

In an independent survey conducted in 2001, 66% of the 500 local residents interviewed considered that the A120 between Harwich and Colchester should be upgraded, whether the development of Bathside Bay went ahead or not. In the event that the development did go ahead, nearly 90% of those interviewed were in favour of improvements.