ROAD closures have been confirmed as Southend prepares to welcome the world’s elite cyclists for the Tour of Britain tomorrow.

Stage six of the world-renowned race will begin on Southend seafront on Friday, as world champion cyclists race through the streets of Southend on their way to Harlow, as part of the prestigious competition.

This means some roads will be restricted or temporarily closed, to accommodate the race, while others will form part of a rolling roadblock and closed for a short period of time to allow the cyclists to safely pass through.

The race will start between Robertos and The Three Shells on Western Esplanade at 11.45am and weave through areas of Southend, Rochford, South Woodham Ferrers, Burnham and Ingatestone before finishing at about 3.30pm in Harlow.

Parking restrictions will be put in place the evening before the race on Thursday.

Roads that have been identified as a rolling road closure are all junctions off:

  • Marine Parade
  • Eastern Esplanade
  • Thorpe Esplanade
  • Ness Road
  • North Shoebury Road
  • Poynters Lane

Full road closures will also be in place on:

  • Western Esplanade - from its junction with Shorefield Road to its junction with Pier Hill/Marine Parade including the cycle path - from 4am until 3pm
  • Marine Parade - from its junction with Southchurch Avenue to its junction with Western Esplanade/Pier Hill - from 9.30am until 1pm
  • Pier Hill - in its entirety - from 9.30am until 1pm
  • Hartington Road/Pleasant Road - from their junctions with Marine Parade - from 9.30pm until 1pm

Daniel Nelson, Tory Southend councillor responsible for economic recovery and investment, said: “As cabinet member and a keen cyclist myself, I am thrilled that such an elite and world-renowned cycling event has chosen to start the sixth stage of the tour in Southend.

“As well as putting Southend on the world stage and showcasing the beauty of our seafront and residential areas, it will also bring welcome income into the city, much as the Women’s Tour did in 2021, as cycling enthusiasts take advantage of being a part of this unique experience and visit.

“I want to thank residents for their support with closures and apologise to motorists for any minor inconvenience caused by the temporary road closures, and wish the cyclists the best of luck in the race.”