DRIVERS have become stranded under a heavily-flooded bridge which has caused chaos on the roads as residents describe “unbelievable” levels of water covering the street

The railway bridge running across Thorpe Hall Avenue, in Thorpe Bay, was completely flooded yesterday with water covering the pavements and both lanes under the bridge.

Frustrated residents have claimed the flooding has become a regular occurrence, although the issues seen yesterday were “some of the worst” as cars became stranded after attempting to drive through the water.

Thorpe Hall Avenue resident, Frank Turvey, 79, said: “When you come down from the Acacia roundabout, it floods where you come under the bridge, drivers bomb through it and the pavement is covered, so you cannot see where the pavement is.

“This is the second time in three days and on the previous two occasions a police car has come down and blocked the roads towards the Southchurch roundabout.

“It’s just too regular, it needs work and cars just aren’t stopping, a car will come round the roundabout, stop because it’s too high and put on his warning lights, which causes a build up to the roundabout and all the cars are stopped.

“I am also concerned at the amount of water under the bridge will damage the brickwork and there is a railway bridge above, the floodwater comes down and is pushed onto the grassy verge, we have a situation where a car stops, and they do just stop, and they get stuck.

“When it gets bad, it runs into Woodgrange Drive, it is just too regular and that’s what I am so worried about, my neighbours have rung and it’s not just me.

“It’s indecision when going under the bridge which causes the accidents.”

Frank added that he has attempted to contact Anglian Water regarding the frequent flooding issue and has seen attempts to pump away the floodwater and discourage drivers from driving and stalling when the floodwater has gotten particularly bad.

“It’s diabolical and unbelievable, how bad its gotten and I’m concerned about the bridge, Frank added.

A Southend Council spokesman said: "From a structural perspective, Network Rail manage the bridge. 

"I would also encourage the resident to raise their concerns with the council direct in the first instance."

The Echo contacted National Rail for a response, but received no comment.