Safety boost for major A road through Essex
Work starts today (Mon 23 Jun) on improvements to the A120 to cut road traffic collisions as National Highways works to reduce the number of people harmed on the region’s roads.
As part of the improvements, sections of the road will have their speed limit reduced from 60mph to 50mph between Horsley Cross and Parkeston.
Work includes the installation of the new speed limit signage and six new average speed cameras to enforce the new speed limits. Speed cameras help improve safety by encouraging people to drive within the speed limits, which benefits all road users.
Responsibility for the enforcement of speed limits lies with the relevant local police force. Work on the £2.6m project is expected to be completed in autumn 2025 and will take place between 9pm and 5am on weeknights only, weather permitting.
Martin Fellows, National Highways Regional Director for the East region, said: “Safety is and always will be our number one priority, and that is why our ambition remains that no-one should be harmed while travelling or working on our roads.
“This route was chosen based on collision data and local insights and overall these changes will aim to make this road safer for all users.”
Starting from Monday 23 June, full closures of the A120 between Horsley Cross and Parkeston will be needed to carry out the work effectively and efficiently.
A120 westbound traffic diversion:
If you're heading west on the A120 via Parkeston Roundabout, take Parkeston Road toward Harwich.
At the roundabout, take the second exit onto the B1352 and follow it to rejoin the A120 westbound at Ramsey.
A120 eastbound traffic diversion:
Follow the westbound diversion in the opposite direction.
Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can check the latest information on our daily closures page or find live travel information on our Traffic England site. Our travel alerts give details of live incidents on our network.
Closures in July and August
There will be more closures on these sections of the A120 in July and August:
- Horsley Cross Roundabout to Cansey Lane
- Cansey Lane to Harwich Road
- Harwich Road to Primrose Lane
- Primrose Lane to Ramsey Roundabout
How to find out more
Visit National Highways’ dedicated webpage which will be updated regularly throughout the work and where you can sign up for updates.
Notes to Editors
National Highways is the wholly government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England’s motorways and major A roads.
Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available via the Traffic England website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available.
For further information please contact National Highways' press office (24hrs) on 0844 693 1448 and select the most appropriate option:
Option 1: National enquiries (9am to 5.30pm) and out of hours for urgent enquiriesOption 2: North West (9am to 5.30pm)Option 3: Yorkshire and North East (9am to 5.30pm)Option 4: West Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)Option 5: East Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)Option 6: East (9am to 5.30pm)Option 7: South East (9am to 5.30pm)Option 8: South West (9am to 5.30pm)
