News releases and highways newsletters

Velizy Roundabout Overnight Closures

On behalf of Essex County Council, Bouygues UK Ltd are undertaking essential works on Velizy Roundabout as part of the Harlow Sustainable Transport Corridor project. 

These works will require a full overnight closure of Velizy Roundabout and all approaches at the following times:   

• From 20:00 on Friday 18th September until 05:00 on Saturday 19th September. 

• From 20:00 on Saturday 19th September until 05:00 on Sunday 20th September. 

Over 74,000 drains cleared to help avoid flood risk ahead of autumn and winter months

A total of 74,728 drains have been cleared across the county between April and August as Essex Highways prepares for wetter autumn and winter weather.

This is a 20% increase compared to the same period last year.

Essex Highways routinely clears blocked drains to prevent flooding, which can pose inconvenience and risk to road users and pedestrians.

Time to cut back - landowners reminded to trim trees and hedges

Essex Highways is reminding landowners across the county of their responsibility to maintain trees, hedges, ditches and other vegetation bordering roads, pavements and public rights of way following the end of bird nesting season.

Overgrown vegetation can quickly become a hazard, particularly as wetter weather approaches in the autumn and winter months.

Landowners have a duty of care to ensure vegetation from their property does not create a hazard for highway users.

Now that bird nesting season has ended, Essex Highways will continue to work with landowners to address outstanding issues and, where necessary, consider further enforcement action.

St Botolph's Circus Regeneration update - upcoming road closures

To help minimise disruption as the regeneration works continue at St Botolph’s Circus, the Jackson Civil Engineering team will be undertaking a series of overnight works.

This will see ducting installed under the road surface to enable the installation of traffic signals and streetlights. The team will also be removing the existing road markings and installing temporary road barriers.

Measures will be in place to minimise the impact of vibration and sound, while the work is underway. During the closure alternative routes will be clearly signposted.

Stone Bridge – Temporary footbridge now open

Following our update in July, we can now confirm that the temporary footbridge is now open to the public.

East Hill construction update - update 28/08/26

Works on East Hill remain on schedule. The team continues to focus on installing the new kerb lines on the south side of the road. Works are also underway on the construction of the bus stop and the widening of the crossing point.

Pothole? We’re on it. 60% increase in pothole repairs helping improve roads across Essex

Improvements to the everyday journeys of residents is the council's aim

Residents will have better visibility of pothole repairs through improved information about repair works taking place across the county.

The ‘Pothole? We’re on it.’ campaign supports Essex County Council's £7.5 million investment in additional repairs and will provide clear and engaging updates on where works are happening, how repairs are prioritised and the improvements being made to everyday journeys

The investment has funded additional repair crews, with a dedicated team now working in each of Essex’s 12 district, borough, and city council areas.

Pothole repairs were 60% higher in July 2026 than in July 2025, demonstrating the positive impact of increasing to one crew per district.

What to do if you spot a wildfire

• Make sure you're in a safe place (away from vegetation and smoke). Stay calm and call 999 immediately.
• When you call 999 be as precise as you can about the location, the size and any other information. The free what3words app can help you pinpoint your location, so download it now.
• Don't try to tackle the fire yourself.
• Stay well away from wildfires as fire can smoulder or spread underground.

Road Closure – A1019 Allende Avenue

Works to cut traffic signal loops are taking place on the A1019 Allende Avenue this weekend.  

These works will require a full road closure at the following times:  

• From 9:00am on Sunday 9 August until the loops are installed. 

As part of these works, the following section of road will be closed:  

• A1019 Allende, between Burnt Mill Roundabout and Sainsbury's Roundabout.  

There will be a clearly signed diversion route during this closure. A map detailing the closure location and diversion route can be found below.  

Due to the nature of this work, there will be no access for vehicles during the closure period, however access will be maintained for the emergency services.   

A certain amount of inconvenience and noise is inevitable with work of this type, and we greatly appreciate your patience whilst these works are being undertaken. We wish to assure you that we will undertake these works as quickly and quietly as possible. 

Vital road improvement schemes backed as Chelmsford Garden Community develops

Major road improvement schemes are supporting one of the most significant housing developments in the UK.

Essex county councillors have approved the Beaulieu Access Package. This will upgrade the A12 and Beaulieu Park Station roundabout.

The 'infrastructure first' approach will support the growth of the Chelmsford Garden Community. This is creating 10,000 new homes in north east Chelmsford, along with new:

• business spaces
• schools
• open spaces
• community facilities
• health facilities

The Beaulieu Access Package will bring essential capacity and safety enhancements. It comes after the government cancelled its scheme to widen the A12.