A1331 Link Road, Colchester

Flood Prevention

SDS delivers key infrastructure to unlock housing and growth in North Essex.

Overview

The A1331 Link Road is a flagship infrastructure project in North Essex, designed to unlock housing and economic growth through improved transport connectivity. Delivered by Essex County Council and constructed by Octavius Infrastructure, the new 1.8km dual carriageway will support the phased development of the Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community — a major new settlement of up to 9,000 homes. The road will also reduce congestion on local routes and link with the emerging Colchester Rapid Transit System.

As part of the scheme’s sustainable drainage strategy, SDS was appointed to design and supply a below-ground attenuation system to manage surface water runoff from the new road and three new roundabouts. This infrastructure is essential to meet planning conditions, protect surrounding communities from flooding, and ensure the long-term performance of the new transport corridor.

What We Did

SDS supplied a GEOlight® attenuation tank to serve as the core surface water management asset for Phase 1 of the new A1331 Link Road. Manufactured from recycled plastic, the GEOlight® system delivers high-volume stormwater storage in a compact underground footprint — ideal for busy infrastructure schemes with limited space and tight construction windows.

Working closely with Octavius Infrastructure, SDS coordinated the delivery and installation of the tank alongside ongoing road construction and roundabout formation. The tank was assembled and installed beneath the new carriageway to capture runoff from impermeable highway surfaces and control discharge rates in line with Essex County Council’s SuDS guidance and the National Planning Policy Framework.

Results

The SDS GEOlight® attenuation tank now provides effective, policy-compliant surface water management for one of Essex’s most important new transport links. By intercepting and storing excess runoff, the system protects both the new infrastructure and surrounding communities from flooding — while supporting a sustainable approach to development in line with the Garden Community’s long-term vision.

The system’s low-carbon construction and space-saving design also contribute to the project’s environmental performance, ensuring that sustainability is embedded into the fabric of the region’s growth.

The successful installation reinforces SDS’s reputation as a trusted delivery partner on major infrastructure schemes — offering innovative drainage solutions that help shape future-ready communities.

SDS delivered a high-quality attenuation solution that met both our technical and sustainability goals. Their GEOlight® system was installed efficiently and supported smooth delivery on a complex programme. We valued their collaborative and professional approach throughout.

– Ryan Clarke, Sub Agent, M O’Brien Group of Companies

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