Octavius has been awarded the first phase of the new A1331 near Colchester to the east of the University of Essex, having carried out earlier design work on the scheme.
The project will provide a 1.8km dual carriageway between a new roundabout on the A133 and the new ‘Allen’s Farm Roundabout’ to the north and will ultimately link the A120 and A133.
It provides the initial infrastructure for the planned Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community, including new homes and an employment park.
Funding comes from a successful £100m Housing Infrastructure Fund bid, which Essex County Council said will also support the city’s new Rapid Transit System.
The council has described these as key first pieces of transport infrastructure to support delivery of the new garden community.
Octavius carried out the detailed design work for the scheme at the early contractor involvement (ECI) stage, working with Essex County Council to agree the scheme budget.
Managing director Gavin Pritchard said: ‘We are excited to have had such a successful collaboration with Essex County Council to get this project to implementation.
‘We can now focus on delivering this vital section of new infrastructure that will enable these much-needed new homes.’
He added: ‘This is a particularly pleasing outcome and a testament to our ongoing commitment to provide sustainable transport solutions that encourage local economic growth supported through our impactful social value and local employment initiatives.
‘The project incorporates stretching carbon and waste reduction plans, community investment and the extensive use of our local supply chain.’
The council said work is set to get underway ‘in the coming weeks’ and is expected to take around 20 months.
Tom Cunningham, the council's cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and sustainable transport, said: ‘The Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community is an important part of delivering new homes, jobs, services and amenities in the area, but has to be delivered in the right way, taking existing communities with us.
‘This means working together with Colchester City Council and Tendring District Council, as well as Homes England, to ensure we deliver the right homes, supported by the right infrastructure, delivered at the right time.’
