Work on the latest phase of the £5million Bell Junction upgrade is set to get underway tomorrow. 

Construction of the new slip road onto Rochford Road is a major part of the improvement scheme at the Southend junction. 

It is hoped a dedicated slip road will allow a greater number of vehicles travelling towards London Southend Airport through the junction.

Work will begin tomorrow and is due to be completed by the end of February. 

The left turn onto Rochford Road will be closed until work on the slip road is complete.

Rochford Road will also be closed in both directions near its junction of the A127 from Friday, January 15 ay 8pm until 6.30am on Monday, January 18.

Residents and businesses directly affected by the road closure area will be granted access, and a diversion route will be in place for all other traffic. 

Ron Woodley, cabinet member for transport, capital and inward investment, said: “I am pleased to see work progressing well at the junction. Collaborative working between council officers and Eurovia has seen us begin work on one of the main changes to the junction – the dedicated slip road.

“This is a big milestone for the project and is something that will provide a real improvement to traffic flow and air quality in the area. Local residents have been kept updated and will continue to be so as we carry out this important section of the improvement work.

“Alongside the dedicated slip road, we will be carrying out work on the new pedestrian crossing for this section of the road.

“We apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause local residents, and I would like to thank them for their understanding and support of the project so far.”