Basildon: East Mayne road closures in January

Parts of the A132 East Mayne will be blocked off for drivers on for five nights in January as part of an Essex County Council scheme as a scheme to tackle air quality issues.

The project comes after the Government directed Essex County Council and Basildon Borough Council to address an area of the A132 East Mayne which was identified as exceeding legal limits for nitrogen dioxide - a harmful gas caused by vehicle emissions.

“We are required by law to take action to achieve compliance with legal air quality limits as quickly as possible and it is good to hear this important scheme to reduce people’s exposure to air pollution is progressing well,” councillor Lee Scott, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for highways, said.

The works will see the existing shared pedestrian and cycle route on East Mayne moved to reduce people’s exposure to air pollution in the worst affected area.

Construction began in November but will now pause over the Christmas period to minimise any potential disruption.

There will be a series of overnight closures on parts of Christopher Martin Road and the A132 East Mayne in January as the project enters its next phase.

Christopher Martin Road will be closed from 9pm – 5am between the junctions with Honywood Road and the A132 East Mayne on January 6, 7 and 10.

The A132 East Mayne (Southbound) will be closed overnight between the Nevendon Roundabout and the junction with Cricketers Way on January 12 and 13.

Councillor Scott added: “The night closures are part of the next phase of the works to ensure the safety of workers and the public. We are doing all we can to minimise any traffic disruption and apologise in advance for any inconvenience these works may cause.

“We recognise more must still be done to address the causes of air pollution and are also continuing to work together with Basildon Borough Council on a number of other projects and initiatives to encourage people to use more sustainable modes of transport.”