£81m ‘Hamburger Roundabout’ Transport Scheme Approved for Chelmsford

An £81 million transport initiative, featuring the construction of a ‘hamburger roundabout’, has received approval. According to Essex County Council, the Army and Navy junction in Chelmsford experiences daily usage by 70,000 vehicles. The comprehensive Army and Navy Sustainable Transport Package additionally incorporates provisions for prioritizing cyclists and buses at this intersection. During a prior meeting, councillors cast a unanimous vote supporting the undertaking. The current junction is slated for replacement with multiple lanes designed to traverse the roundabout, a configuration referred to as a ‘hamburger style’. Furthermore, the initiative encompasses proposals to enlarge the Sandon park and ride facility from 1,300 to 1,680 spaces, and to install an additional 90 electric vehicle charging points at the Chelmer Valley park and ride. Both Chelmsford City Council and Essex County Council are contributing to the funding of this project. The local authorities expressed their expectation for work to commence in 2027 and conclude by 2029. Constructed in 1932 concurrently with the establishment of the initial Chelmsford bypass, the roundabout gained association with the pub located on its corner, also named the Army and Navy. A flyover was erected above the junction in 1978 to serve as a temporary measure for congestion problems, yet it remained in place until 2020, when it was finally demolished due to structural defects. In remarks made last week prior to the meeting, Lesley Wagland OBE, the Conservative deputy leader of Essex County Council, stated that the project is anticipated to alleviate traffic delays. She further commented, “It will also help provide better options for people to travel in and around the city, especially for shorter journeys where we want walking or cycling to be the natural choice.” Marie Goldman, the Liberal Democrat MP representing Chelmsford, highlighted that the project still requires financial backing from the government. Also speaking last week, she characterized the junction as a significant one situated in the “heart” of the city.