THE second phase of work on a £1.8 million project to replace a locks at Heybridge Basin will begin later this year.

Essex and Suffolk Water, in partnership with Essex Waterways, is replacing the lock gates at Heybridge Basin, along with a number of gates further upstream.

Initial work began last October and the lock reopened to the public in March, but it will now be closed again to allow the second stage to be carried out.

Phase two will see a new steel sea lock gate put in place and the replacement of a central upstream timber gate.

The lock will be closed to the public from October 2, with preparatory work beginning next month.

A footpath diversion will be in place from January 1 to March 31, with the lock scheduled to reopen to the public in March 2018.

Adrian Caswell, Project Manager for Essex & Suffolk Water said: “Following the completion of the first phase of work in winter 2016, we will be returning to carry out the second phase of this important project.

“The lock gates are an essential part of this waterway, so we have worked hard to plan a replacement scheme which will ensure that this route can be used and enjoyed for many years to come.

“We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused why we carry out this vital work, and we will be doing everything we can to keep any disruption to a minimum.”

David Smart, Navigation Manager for Essex Waterways, added: “We are looking forward to the installation of the new Caisson gate this winter.

“It will be a big improvement for us, bringing 21st Century technology to Heybridge to work alongside the original manual gates dating from the late 1700s.

“I would like to say a big ‘thank you’ in advance to Essex & Suffolk Water and their contractors for all their hard work on this project.”

Once work commences there will be some days when vehicle access is restricted lock side on Lock Hill, but pedestrian access will be maintained at all times and access will be provided for emergency vehicles.

An information event about the work will take place at the Jolly Sailor pub in Heybridge Basin on Monday from 2pm to 7pm.

It will give residents the opportunity to meet the project team, find out more about the project and ask any questions they have about the scheme.

To find out more visit www.eswcommunityportal.co.uk/Projects/heybridge.