Rochford roadworks set to cause months of delays

Roadworks on a busy local road are set to delay motorists travelling through Rochford for 3 months.

1246 metres of gas main is being replaced on Ashingdon Road between the junction with Rectory Road and Roche Avenue. The essential work is scheduled to begin on Saturday 5 April and is expected to continue until July 2014.

The works by National Grid, costing around £200,000, are part of their programme to replace old iron gas mains with new, more durable plastic pipes. The replacement programme will allow the continued provision of safe and reliable gas supplies to local businesses, schools and residents.

Holt Farm School, St Teresa’s School and Rochford Primary School are all due for new service pipes as part of the work but these will be installed outside of term time to minimise disruption.

Steve Edwards, National Grid’s principle project engineer said: “It’s our job to connect people to the energy they use and these new gas mains will help ensure this part of Rochford continues to enjoy a safe and reliable gas supply.”

He added: “We’ve worked closely with the local authorities to ensure we minimise disruption by doing things such as carrying out our work at the same time as others and avoiding disruptive times where possible.

Temporary road closures and one-lane traffic light systems will be in place throughout the roadworks on Ashingdon Road and have been causing delays to drivers. Queues have been reported in both directions on Ashingdon Road since the works started and motorists are advised to seek alternative routes.

The roadworks have affected Arriva busses running between Southend and Rayleigh, causing delays to the 7 and 8 services.

If anyone has any queries about the roadworks and how it will affect them they can contact National Grid customer services on 0800 096 5678.