A new rail route is one of the ways transport between London and Ipswich could be improved, a major government study has suggested.

The recommendation, published on Wednesday, looks into ways to reduce congestion along the A12 corridor in Essex and Suffolk over the next 30 years.

The study authors also propose upgrading the A12 between London, Chelmsford and Colchester, and creating bus and coach lanes throughout the region.

Mike Salter, the project manager, said: "What we have tried to do is produce a balanced strategy which includes road, rail, bus and other public transport measures."

Chelmsford bypass

The proposed new train route would run between Chelmsford and Epping via Ongar, with links south to Stratford and north to Stansted Airport.

There would also be improvements to rail services in the Thames Gateway, and on the Great Eastern main line between Shenfield and Colchester.

Bus routes to encourage the use of public transport could be created between Colchester and Stansted, and Maldon and Witham.

Road improvements could include a bypass around Chelmsford between the A12 and the A130, and dual carriageways along several stretches of road.

'Road bias'

The study authors rejected suggestions of building a new motorway.

They also denied they had been biased towards road users.

Mr Salter said: "Roads do have a place in any transport strategy as well as public transport, and it's a question of putting forward a balance that will satisfy the demand for movement in the corridor for the next 30 years."

The proposals will now be considered by the Regional Planning Body, which will consult local councils and the public.

It will present its views to the transport secretary in the spring.