THE newly widened Great Notley bypass was opened in a roadside ceremony last week. Officials gathered on Tuesday morning to celebrate the completion of work that turns the Great Notley bypass into dual carriageway and also the completion of work to the A1

THE newly widened Great Notley bypass was opened in a roadside ceremony last week.

Officials gathered on Tuesday morning to celebrate the completion of work that turns the Great Notley bypass into dual carriageway and also the completion of work to the A131, the strategic link between Braintree and Chelmsford.

Cllr Norman Hume, cabinet member

for highways and transportation said: "I would like to thank

and congratulate the many people involved in the scheme.

"I am positive the people in Great Notley and Notley Garden Village will find the quality of their lives improved by the scheme and passing commuters will be able to complete their journeys more quickly and conveniently"

Pedestrians and cyclists will continue to benefit from the bypass between Notley Garden Village and the Country Park using the extended subway.

The scheme has been designed according to the very latest environmental standards. Ecological surveys identified the presence of great crested newts and other small reptiles, which were kept safe during construction by protective fencing.

Now they will be allowed to return and a new pond has also been constructed to replace habitat lost through the widening of the road.

Special lighting has been used to provide

a safe level of light

with minimum pollution. Recycled materials

have also been used where possible.

A spokesman for Essex County Council said: "This scheme will facilitate growth in the area by improving the strategic network and supporting sustainable travel between residential areas and employment opportunities."

Great Notley Primary School is one of several groups and organisations to benefit from assistance during the construction work of the road by getting a new ecology project.

PARC School received a donation of building materials for a sensory-board and the formation of a footpath for pupils.