10:57am Monday 30th June 2008
By Sarah Calkin
MOTORISTS are set to face six weeks of traffic misery as roadworks take place on both of Canvey's access roads at the same time.
From Sunday, July 6, both lanes of Canvey Way will be closed overnight for five nights while workmen start on a £700,000 package of improvements to the busy highway which was announced last month.
The following day, Monday, July 7, the Canvey-bound lane of Canvey Road will be closed between 9.30am and 3.30pm every day for six weeks while part of the parapet on Canvey Bridge is replaced.
Dave Blackwell, leader of Canvey Island Independent Party, said: "It's going to end up with six weeks of gridlock.
"If there are any problems both roads could end up being closed at the same time."
Norman Hume, Essex county councillor responsible for highways and transport, said: "We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.
"The works are a very necessary part of making sure our highways remain up to the highest possible standards."
Canvey Bridge, which crosses Benfleet Creek, will be closed completely on Sunday, July 6, from midnight until 5am, while a safety barrier is installed. From 9.30am the following day, the Canvey-bound lane will be closed during off-peak hours and traffic lights will be in place.
Only the eastern part of Canvey Bridge is being replaced.
Canvey Way will be closed from 7.30pm until 6am from Sunday, July 6, to Thursday, July 10, for work to prepare the road for resurfacing. The resurfacing is planned to be carried out overnight on July 15, 16 and 17.
The resurfacing is part of measures, including the closure of the laybys and the introduction of a 50mph speed limit and speed cameras to improve safety at the accident blackspot.
For more information on the scheme call Essex County Council on 0845 6037631.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.echo-news.co.uk