Progress Road junction improvement - update

During the evenings this week (from Monday 29th November) two-way temporary traffic lights will operate from 6pm until 10pm in a section of The Fairway so that new kerb lines can be installed at the junction with Eastwood Old Road.

The traffic lights will give contractors a safe working area, while also helping to keep traffic moving. This section of the works has been timed to avoid peak periods and details have been delivered to nearby residents and businesses.

Meanwhile next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, the 6th, 7th and 8th December, the Fairway is due to be closed from 8pm until 5am.

This is to enable a new left-hand lane from the A127 to be created and allow for the Fairway to be resurfaced.

Diversions will be in place and a convoy system will be used to guide A127 traffic through the works. This is to help motorists carefully negotiate narrower than usual traffic lanes and to make sure they do so slowly and safely.

Councillor Mark Flewitt, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Planning and Transport, said: "We thank motorists for their patience and apologise for the inconvenience caused by these latest temporary traffic arrangements. However, we assure everyone that these lane and road closures are absolutely essential for the safety of the workforce.

"Over recent weeks there have been a few incidents where thoughtless drivers have put our contractors at risk.

"On one occasion, a worker was struck on the back of the leg by a speeding car. Another was hit by a traffic cone which was catapulted into the air by a speeding lorry and a third was hit in the face by flying shrapnel from a smashed light fitting on top of a cone.

"We make every effort to plan any lane or road closures to minimise disruption for residents and motorists and to keep people informed.

"But we must warn people that the schedule of road works may change if weather conditions become severe. The latest updates are available on http://www.bettersouthend.com/ "