Plans for a new congestion-busting M11 junction have moved closer to reality after the preferred location was agreed.

Proposals for a link road for the new junction 7A in Epping Forest were also agreed yesterday (December 13) by Essex County Council.

It is hoped the new junction, north of junction seven in Hastingwood, will reduce congestion.

It should also help traffic move smoothly out of Harlow and provide opportunities for housing and business developments.

Council cabinet members backed the plans after reviewing responses to a recent public consultation.

Deputy leader and infrastructure councillor Kevin Bentley said: “This is great news for the people of Harlow and Essex as a whole.

“Junction 7A offers a much-needed link for residents and business across west Essex to the rest of the country.

“Modern transport infrastructure is vital to support business growth, which in turn helps the county prosper.

“That is why I will be pushing hard to ensure we work with partners to deliver this improvement to the M11 as soon as possible.”