Full Details: 38 weeks of major gas works set to cause disruption on Aldermans Hill and Southend Road

Drivers and residents in Rayleigh and Hockley are being warned to expect major traffic disruption as gas roadworks are set to last for 38 weeks.

Cadent, the gas distribution company for the area, will be replacing 2.5km of gas pipes along the B1013 from Alderman’s Hill, Main Road, Southend Road, to Belchamps Way Hockley.

Starting on 24th March 2025, the works will take place along Aldermans Hill and Southend Road, a key route connecting Rayleigh and Hockley. The extensive project, scheduled to run for nearly 10 months, is expected to cause significant congestion and frustration for commuters, residents, and businesses alike.

Local concerns over ‘road chaos’

With such a long period of disruption ahead, many locals are already expressing their concerns.

Resident Martin Davis said “Hockley is about to be plunged into more road chaos! This is scheduled for 38, yes 38 weeks – nearly 10 months of complete gridlock!”

Others are calling for careful traffic management to avoid further bottlenecks. Paul Brooks urged authorities to take action, stating: “Let’s hope the authorities have enough sense to postpone all other non-essential works on the alternative local roads and pavements so we can keep the traffic moving and not causing total gridlock.”

Why are the works taking so long?

The project is being carried out by Cadent, the company responsible for maintaining the gas pipe network. The works involve replacing old metal gas pipes with modern, more durable plastic pipes to ensure a safer and more reliable supply.

The project has been divided into 18 phases, with each phase taking two weeks to be completed before moving to the next phase. (Except Phase 11 & 12, which will take 3 weeks to complete.)

During the process, contractors may temporarily switch off gas supplies and could need access to homes and properties. Residents affected will usually receive advance notice via letter.

What to expect during the roadworks

Temporary traffic lights will be in place as the project moves along each phase. The majority of these will be two-way or three-way traffic lights to enable vehicles to safely travel around the excavations.

However road closures will also be needed at certain junctions – Spa Road, Woodlands Road, Great Eastern Road, Hockley Rise and Belchamps Way. This is to enable the contractors to quickly cross the junction and due to the complexity at these junctions.

All contractors working on public highways must apply for a permit from Essex County Council (ECC), which ensures works are authorised and managed correctly. On-site boards will display the permit number, start and finish times, and key work details for transparency.

While these upgrades are essential for long-term safety and reliability, the sheer length of the disruption is a major concern for many. Residents and commuters are now bracing for months of delays, diversions, and travel headaches.

A spokesperson for Cadent explained: “These works were scheduled to take place last year, however, after a review of the work we have reduced the time needed to safely complete the work from 48 to 38 weeks. We have worked closely with the local Highways Authority to reduce the disruption for these important and essential works to replace the gas pipes, that will ensure the security of the gas supply for many decades to come.

“We appreciate that no one likes road works, but these works are to replace the aging gas pipes in the area and ensure customers can continue to rely on their gas for their heating and cooking now, and into the future.

“We will be holding a drop-in session for those directly affected by our works in a few weeks’ time.  This will be an opportunity for people to ask questions and find out more about the project.”

The project timeline