SOUTHEND: Roadworks force closures & diversions

Several roadworks and diversions are being set up from the 9th August, as the next phase of the ‘Better Southend’ scheme gets underway.

The works are centered around Victoria Circus – and will continue for 12 weeks from next Monday. Here are the details:

Traffic:
At Victoria Gateway from Monday 9th August for around 12 weeks, traffic will not be able to turn right from the A127 Victoria Avenue onto the A13 Queensway (towards Sainsbury’s and Leigh-on-Sea). Traffic aiming to go this way will need to turn left towards the Southchurch roundabout and then head back on the A13.
This restriction will be in place round the clock until late October. From then on, traffic will be able to use the new T-junction for this manoeuvre. During construction work, traffic signals will be altered to allow more green time for vehicles using this junction.

Pedestrians:
From Thursday 2nd September to Tuesday 21st September the existing pedestrian crossing at Short Street will be closed. During this period pedestrians wishing to access the High Street/Town Centre or Victoria Shopping Centre can use the concourse at Victoria Station or the pedestrian crossing by the Odeon and Tax Office.

Buses:
Buses will also use the main carriageway lanes instead of the lay-by outside Southend Victoria Train Station.
The bus stops at Victoria Station will be temporarily relocated to Victoria Avenue.
Once the works have been completed and the T junction is fully operational, the bus stops will return to their places outside Victoria Station.
Adverts and posters will be placed at the bus stops, in the High Street and on the buses to give more details on how these works will affect you.

Reaching the seafront:
During these forthcoming 12 weeks, seafront traffic will be diverted along the A1159 and Thorpe Hall Avenue. This will help reduce peak time traffic at Victoria Gateway.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Interim Head of Enterprise, Tourism and Regeneration, Lorraine Butler told longpier.com:

“We want everyone to know that Southend is fully open for business and leisure as usual during these significant road improvements. This is one of the major projects designed to make Southend a better place to live, work and play. We would very much like to thank everyone for their patience so far, and hope they will continue to bear with us as the works progress. Diversion signs will be clearly displayed, the latest updates can also be found on our website www.southend.gov.uk.“