A major Essex road connecting two towns will face delays for nines months – with a closure for the final month – as work begins today (January 2) on replacing gas pipes. Cadent is replacing 2.5km of gas pipes along London Road from Wickford to Billericay from January 2 to September 8.
The work starts from outside of number 168 London Road, Wickford along London Road to the junction with Harding’s Elms Road, Billericay. Most of the work will be completed with temporary traffic lights, however, there will be a road closure in place in August for the junction of London Road with Harding’s Elms Road.
Carl Williams, Head of Investment Delivery at Cadent, said: “Over the years, there have been multiple repairs on these gas mains, resulting in extensive traffic management measures each time. These frequent repairs have significantly disrupted the highway and community.
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“After significant discussions with the local council and highways authority ,we have developed this project to reduce the overall disruption. While this project will temporarily affect the area, it is designed to eliminate the need for recurrent repairs, thereby reducing long-term traffic congestion and disruption.
“Ultimately, this proactive approach will enhance the reliability of our gas network and ensure that we can keep our customers safe and warm.”
This work to upgrade ageing gas pipes will ensure the local community can continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply into the future for many decades to come, Cadent said.
The planned diversion route around London Road
(Image: Cadent)
The work will be carried out in six phases:
- Phase 1: January 2 – March 3 from 168 to 312 London Road, Wickford
- Phase 2: January 2 – March 30 from 300a London Road, Wickford to junction with Church Road, Billericay
- Phase 3: March 24 to April 10 from junction of Church Road with London Road to Woolshots Farm, Billericay
- Phase 4: March 31 to April 25 from 312 London Road, Wickford to Elm Farm, Crays Hill, Billericay
- Phase 5: May 5 August 17 from Elm Farm, Crays Hill to the junction with Harding’s Elms Road, Billericay
- Phase 6: August 11 to September 8 from London Road and Southend Road junction with Harding’s Elms Road, Billericay – Road closure at junction – diversion via Wash Road, Barleylands Road and Southend Road, A129
Cadent will be working seven days a week in order to complete the work as quickly as possible. Working hours will be Monday-Friday 8am-6pm, Saturday 8am-5pm and Sunday 10am-4pm. No noisy works will be carried out on Sundays.