The largest area of new building in Essex lies on the north-eastern side of Chelmsford. Beaulieu and the wider garden community beyond it are adding thousands of homes, a railway station on the main line and new road infrastructure, including a bypass route towards the A131. The earthworks are extensive and the soil is heavy boulder clay, which clings to tyres through the wetter months.
Chelmsford is also Essex’s administrative centre and a commuter city, with commercial estates at Springfield, Widford and beside the A12. That road skirts the eastern and southern sides, joined by the A130 from the south and the A414 from the west. Much of the maintenance on them takes place overnight because daytime flows are so high.
Coverage in and around Chelmsford
Springfield, Great Baddow, Galleywood, Writtle, Broomfield and Boreham are covered with the city, and operators also work out to South Woodham Ferrers, Hatfield Peverel and the Walthams. The A12 gives good access from several directions, but it is prone to delays, and hire is always subject to a vehicle being free.