ROADWORKS which have caused chaos to motorists and businesses since July are expected to be complete four weeks early.

National Grid are now entering the final phase of their gas main renewal works in the Fairway and A127, with works predicted to be finished by early November, nearly four weeks ahead of schedule.

Since the project started there have been various road closures in place whilst an 18 inch gas main was replaced, because of the scale and depth of excavations required.

Tony Cox, Executive Councillor for Transport, said: “Whilst there has obviously been disruption caused, I have to commend National Grid for getting on with this major project quickly, to such an extent that they look like they are going to finish nearly four week ahead of schedule.

“Businesses, the emergency services, and local residents have been kept informed by National Grid throughout the process and we have also worked very hard with them to minimise disruption where we can, re-open routes when it has been possible and kept unnecessary closures to an absolute minimum.

“The final stage of works are taking place in the central reservation of the A127 and mean that a daytime lane closure is needed on the A127 Southend-bound for one week. 

However this has been timed to coincide with the quieter half term week when traffic coming in and out of the Borough is greatly reduced.

“Once that work has been completed by Sunday October 30, only minor re-instatement works will be needed which may need some further periodic closures, but largely all roads and access routes around the Fairway will be back up and running.”

Further information on final road closures and re-openings

Access to the Fairway from the A127 in both directions will re-open at 8pm tonight

From Saturday October 22 to Sunday October 30 there will still be periodic closures of the access to the Fairway from the A127, but these will be at night - between the hours of 8pm to 6am - to allow reinstatement works to take place.

In addition, a lane closure of the outside lane on the A127 Southend-bound will start on

Saturday October 22, and be in place until Sunday October 30. This has been scheduled to coincide with the quieter half-term week and the daytime re-opening of The Fairway.

The programme is subject to change, we expect there will be no further need for major road closures after Sunday October 30.