Southend-on-Sea City Council has proposed a package of highway, public transport and technology measures in a draft Local Transport Plan covering 2027 to 2045.
The plan includes junction and corridor improvements intended to manage congestion, improve network resilience and support safer travel. It also sets out longer-term investigations into potential new road links, although these are not confirmed construction schemes.
Highway and junction proposals
Proposed road measures include safety improvements along the A13 corridor and upgrades to the Nestuda Way and Eastwoodbury Lane corridor.
The council also plans to seek developer contributions for improvements at the A127/Progress Road junction, Cuckoo Corner and Harp House roundabout. Further work would assess the feasibility of an outer relief link between Southend and Chelmsford, as well as a northern link.
According to the plan, delivery of all actions will depend on funding.
Traffic technology and digital modelling
The technology programme proposes installing MOVA8 traffic signal control software at key junctions, alongside improvements to Intelligent Transport Systems and Urban Traffic Management and Control.
A proposed digital twin would combine information on traffic, public transport, parking and active travel. The council says this could help it test changes to the network and manage congestion.
Southend has previously reported average journey time improvements of 14% after MOVA was installed at Kent Elms on the A127. Installations at the Tesco/Bell and Cuckoo Corner junctions have also been identified, with Progress Road and other intersections scheduled to follow.
Public transport and consultation
The draft plan proposes expanding traffic signal priority for buses, introducing a bus gate at Victoria Gateway and improving key public transport corridors.
It also suggests upgrading the Octopus Ticket to allow contactless payment on local rail services, trialling flat bus fares and improving coordination between bus and rail timetables. Other proposals include investigating Thames river transport for business and leisure users, consolidating freight and supporting cleaner last-mile deliveries.
The council will also explore the potential for an Elizabeth Line extension to Southend and faster services between Southend Victoria, Southend Airport and London.
Residents, businesses and other stakeholders can respond to the public consultation until 17 November.