Drivers in Rochford and Southend are facing major delays this week after two separate sets of temporary traffic lights were installed on busy routes at the same time.
The worst of the disruption is on Sutton Road, Southend Road and South Street near Rochford Reservoir, where four-way traffic lights have been set up as part of works by contractors for UK Power Networks.
The project is said to involve connecting an area near the former Police Station building to the national grid, for new homes.
Adding to the frustration, another set of temporary lights was already in place on Manners Way, where Southend Council has approved resurfacing works to replace the full length of pavements.
On Monday, the sets of temporary traffic lights on Manners Way were reported to be stuck on red at one stage, causing traffic to grind to a halt and tailbacks stretching in all directions.
Local residents say what are usually quick journeys have turned into long slogs.
Nicola Lindsey said: “A 10min journey took an hour – it is horrendous.”
Debbie Carpenter added: “I’m not looking forward to trying to get to work in the morning, there’s traffic lights down Rectory Road too. I’m buggered whatever way.”
Another commuter, Pam Bean, said: “My bus journey from Southend to Rochford this afternoon took an hour!”
Rochford district councillor Mike Steptoe has now intervened. He said: “I have asked Essex County Council Highways to look at the traffic management at the junction as I don’t believe it has been correctly implemented. The inspector will be attending the site to resolve the issues.”
The permit for the Rochford roadworks runs until 8 October, meaning disruption could last another week.
With Sutton Road acting as a key through-route between Rochford and Southend, delays are expected to continue at peak times, with knock-on effects for a number of other nearby roads. Drivers and bus passengers are strongly advised to plan ahead.