Transparency data

A12 Chelmsford to A12 Widening: accounting officer assessment (September 2022)

Updated 27 November 2023

Background

The assessment was completed to align with the outline business case (OBC) which was submitted to DfT Investment, Portfolio and Delivery Committee (IPDC) in December 2021.

The accounting officer assessment (AOA) was produced by National Highways in conjunction with DfT. The senior responsible owner sits within National Highways, the National Highways Chief Executive is accounting officer for the expenditure, and the IPDC committee, to which the project also reports, is chaired by the DfT permanent secretary as principal accounting officer for the DfT group.

Overview

The Road Investment Strategy (RIS) 2 sets out the following commitments for this scheme:

Widening the A12 to 3 lanes between junction 19 (north of Chelmsford) and junction 25 (A120 interchange). This may include delivery of additional improvements around the site of the Colchester/Braintree Border Garden Community, subject to support from the Housing Infrastructure Funding. This scheme will need to take into account evolving proposals for the A120 Braintree to A12

The project aims are to:

• reduce congestion and make journey times more reliable
• support planned economic and housing growth in Essex and the surrounding region
• smooth traffic flow by helping the road to cope with incidents such as breakdowns and accidents
• improve safety by closing-off private access onto the A12 and providing alternatives
• provide safer alternative routes away from the A12 for cyclists, walkers and horse riders

Regularity

The outline business case presents an overall cost for the upgrade of the A12 that is affordable as part of the RIS2 portfolio. The project will extend into RIS3 and will be prioritised from within this settlement.

Propriety

A12 falls under the department’s definition of a Tier 1 Project and therefore adheres to control and governance arrangements within National highways and at departmental (DfT) and HM Treasury (HMT) levels. Final approval of each stage of the business case is made by DfT and HMT ministers. Investment approval to support contract awards will also be made at this level. Under its procurement delegations, NH would approve all other steps in the process.

National Highways has appointed a senior responsible owner and overall progress is assured by the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) and reported through the Government Major Project Portfolio (GMPP).

As a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, legal powers for construction will be gained through a development consent order (DCO) as defined under the Planning Act 2008. A decision on the DCO is expected in late 2023.

Value for money

At the time of the AOA, the value for money (VfM) of the scheme is medium with a current benefit cost ratio of 1.9.

The scheme has key strategic benefits, including improving resilience and safety on the road network, and driving growth in the region.

Feasibility

Overall, the delivery of the project is agreed by all assurers to be feasible and the key milestones (2023 to 2024 Start of Works and 2027 to 2028 open for traffic)

Conclusion

There is a strong strategic case for the A12 and at the time of this assessment the BCR of 1.9 reflects the benefits for the region that this scheme will deliver. The scheme aims to enable growth in jobs and housing, whilst also tackling safety concerns.

Addressing these issues forms part of National Highways strategic objectives and plans for RIS2. I am therefore satisfied that the programme presents a satisfactory use of public funds and should deliver wider economic benefits to the region and wider national economy.

Bernadette Kelly

15/09/22

Permanent Secretary, Department for Transport

Nick Harris

01/09/2022

Chief Executive, National Highways