Sir Bernard Jenkin, MP for Harwich and North Essex, has written to councillor Peter Harris describing the current situation as "clearly unsustainable" and urging fresh efforts to tackle the issue. "The level crossing closes regularly and the underpass is limited to single lane traffic, with a priority for the Suffolk side, creating backlogs of traffic through Manningtree and up Cox’s Hill. "With proposed expansion in Manningtree and the surrounding areas, this is clearly unsustainable and a solution must be found." Mr Jenkin has pressed Essex County Council to accept this offer as a matter of urgency. Mr Jenkin called for Section 106 funds from housing schemes in Manningtree and the proposed Garden Communities to be allocated specifically to the underpass upgrade.