Queensway underpass is set to disappear as Southend prepares for one of its biggest regeneration projects in decades.
The underpass will be filled in and replaced with a raised dual carriageway designed to direct traffic more smoothly between Victoria Station, the city centre and the seafront. Work on the Better Queensway scheme is due to begin on Monday 8 December 2025, delivered in partnership with Taylor Woodrow.
It’s expected that this ‘Phase 1’ for the roadworks and infrastructure works will take at least 22 months to complete. The ‘Phase 2’ housing works will then follow in a phased fashion.
Southend City Council says the long planned works will fundamentally change how people move through this key entrance to the city. The plans include raising the underpass to street level, shrinking the roundabout to improve traffic flow, removing the unused footbridge, creating new ground level pedestrian crossings, adding cycle routes from the station to the seafront, and installing underground water storage to reduce the risk of flooding after heavy rain.
Cllr Kevin Robinson said: “Better Queensway is a once in a generation opportunity to reshape the heart of our city. This ambitious project will deliver safer, more accessible streets with new pedestrian crossings and cycle paths, making it easier for everyone to move around the city.
“It will also create a more attractive and welcoming environment that supports the delivery of new homes while encouraging investment and growth. Better Queensway represents the next step in creating a vibrant, connected, and sustainable future for Southend.”
The wider redevelopment aims to transform the ageing Queensway estate, which was built in the late 1960s and currently home to 441 flats across four tower blocks. Residents have long raised concerns about crime, antisocial behaviour, poor pedestrian routes and a lack of safe green space. Consultations with local residents have shown a clear appetite for improved security, better housing, and an estate layout that feels more open and welcoming.
Around 1,600 new homes are planned as part of the regeneration, along with a tree lined route running through the site to create a safer and more attractive approach for anyone arriving at Southend Victoria railway station. The majority of the infrastructure costs are supported by a Housing Infrastructure Fund grant from Homes England.
Pauline Schaffer, Director of Infrastructure Funding at Homes England, said:
“As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, we want to support public and private sector partners to unlock strategic housing sites where brownfield, infrastructure or land projects face delivery challenges.
“We’re backing Better Queensway with a Housing Infrastructure Fund grant, funding infrastructure and enabling new homes and better public spaces for Southend. This investment will deliver inclusive, sustainable places ready for the future.”
But not everyone believes the project is the right move for the city. James Moyies, Conservative councillor for West Shoebury, said:
“There is NO Better Queensway scheme. It’s not replacing a 1960’s scheme… it’s REVERTING to a 1960’s scheme. It makes zero sense and is the result of crazy government finances that encourage waste.”
Local residents are also split, with calls ranging from alternative traffic solutions to concerns over the redesign itself.
Gina Bennett said: “We need a park and ride scheme in Southend. Maybe in Progress Road or by the airport. That would save a lot of cars from coming into town. It would prevent congestion and parking issues.”
Kerys Doak said: “I think the plans look really nice… yes there are other things they could be doing but it does look nice… especially with the church right there.”
David Powell said: “So instead of the road going under, it’s going to be exactly the same but now going over the top? And that’s going to help traffic flow how?”
Matthew Leggett added: “Install about 10 sets of traffic lights so that even when it’s quiet on the road it will take about 20 mins to get through. Great idea.“
The future of Queensway remains one of Southend’s most debated issues, with residents sharply divided over whether removing the underpass will improve the area or create new problems on an already busy route.