Plans to transform Chelmsford's transport network for drivers, pedestrians, bus users and cyclists have been announced - including a change to the proposed Baddow Road Bus Gate.

The plans, which were announced yesterday by Essex County Council, include introducing hybrid cycleways in several roads around the city and also moving the proposed Baddow Road Bus Gate to Meadgate Avenue.

Baddow Road Bus Gate usage will also be reduced to peak hours as part of an 18-month trial.

Kevin Bentley, Deputy Leader at Essex County Council, described the announcement as "a bold plan to ease congestion and create a truly modern and joined-up sustainable transport network". 

The County Council has decided on 16 schemes combining 20 of the 30 proposals put to the public in the Chelmsford City Growth Package (CCGP) consultation earlier this year. The schemes have been picked and adjusted following careful analysis of feedback from the public. 

Councillor Bentley said: "Everyone knows that congestion is a big issue in Chelmsford with the city's roads just 4% from capacity during peak times. 

"This is a bold plan to ease congestion and create a truly modern and joined-up sustainable transport network. 

"We cannot continue to just build more roads and rely on our cars to get everywhere – we have to design our roads to ensure sustainable transport is a quick, easy and accessible alternative. 

“Thank you to everyone who shared your views with us – we have spent the last few months analysing those views and tweaking our plans to take into account any concerns raised by residents. 

“I truly believe we have presented a package of works that will transform Chelmsford’s transport network for the better for decades to come.” 

Full list of what the scheme includes:

Tindal Square - closure to motorised traffic

Parkway (five schemes) - Bus Lane and Three Lane Running / Permanent Left Turn Segregation / New London Road Junction Enhancement / New London Road Left Turn Widen / Manor Road

Chelmer Valley Road: Bus Priority Measures and Highway Capacity Improvements

Writtle to City Centre Cycling Improvements (National Cycle Network 1): Including Admirals Park Bridge replacement

City Centre Cycle Parking

Great Waltham to City Centre Cycle Route

Pump Lane/Springfield Road Toucan Crossing

Baddow Road Bus Gate - changes to consultation proposals include: 18-month trial, reduced to only peak hours and moved to Meadgate Avenue

Essex Regiment Way Pegasus Crossing

Broomfield Road: Hybrid Cycleway (Gyratory to Patching Hall Lane) and Highway and Passenger Transport capacity - changes to consultation proposals include: contraflow bus lane now to be provided along the Corporation Road one-way proposal

Great Baddow to City Centre cycle route

New Street hybrid cycleway

New London Road Bus lane

Chelmer Village Way cycleway

City Centre Cycle Connectivity (Bellmead link to Chelmsford Railway Station)

Citywide Signage & Technology