CityFibre’s rollout of fibre optic network across Southend-on-Sea is continuing, with phase two of the work set to begin on a major route into and out of the City.
From Monday 24 October, CityFibre will begin 30 weeks of essential work on London Road, which will see a number of two-way or multi-way traffic lights in place to enable the works to install their state-of-the-art fibre-optic network. The work will begin at the junction of Grasmead Avenue, and work eastwards along London Road, up to Park Street.
With London Road being a major route in and out of the City, the council, on behalf of CityFibre, is preparing residents and motorists for likely delays during the 8am - 5pm working hours that the CityFibre teams will operate. Signage will be in place for the duration of the works, with variable message signs (VMS) updating motorists as they enter the City and regular updates being provided on the council’s social media accounts.
In addition to the temporary traffic lights, multiple side road closures will also be in place as and when necessary. This is to reduce additional temporary traffic lights being used on London Road. Any residents affected by the side road closures will receive written notice from CityFibre and will still be provided access where required. Any side road closures which affect school access will be completed during the school breaks. No work will be undertaken, and no traffic measures will be in place during school hours.
Phase one of the CityFibre work saw the installation works completed along the stretch of London Road from Thames Drive to Lord Roberts Drive.
Ben Green, CityFibre’s build manager for Southend-on-Sea, said: “We are investing £50m to transform the digital capabilities of Southend-on-Sea through the rollout of our full fibre technology. We have made fantastic progress, with tens of thousands of homes and businesses in the City already served by our network.
“As we near the completion of our rollout in Southend-on-Sea, our team will be installing our network along London Road. We would like to apologise for the short-term disruption and thank the local community for their understanding. We know the network is already benefitting the local community and are excited to see it unlock Southend-on-Sea's digital potential in the years to come.”
Cllr Steven Wakefield, cabinet member for transport, highways and parking, said: “CityFibre has been carrying out work to deliver a state-of-the-art full fibre network across our City since 2020. This work is vital for the economic recovery of Southend, and for our attractiveness as a place to live, work and invest in.
“London Road is a very busy route and although the phase one works saw some limited disruption, we are anticipating that there will be some congestion during phase two of this essential work too.
“I would urge all motorists, residents and visitors to keep an eye on the council’s social media pages for regular updates and to plan their journeys accordingly. CityFibre is on hand to answer any questions residents might have about the work, so please ensure any issues are raised directly with them.
“It is important that we facilitate these works to maximise the potential of the City, and to provide residents and businesses with fibre optic speeds, which is more important than ever given the new ways we are all working.”
The CityFibre contact number for any issues inside of the hours of 7am – 7pm is 0800 083 6160 and the 24-hour emergency contact is 0800 298 6267. Alternatively, you can use the enquiry form on the City Fibre website.
Residents can keep up to date with all traffic management across the City by visiting One Network.
For regular updates, please see the council’s highways Twitter account, @SouthendHighway.