News releases and highways newsletters

Priority One resurfacing – changes to planned works

Since launching this autumn, the Priority One programme of works has seen over 40 full resurfacing schemes completed, as well as hundreds of vegetation, drainage, road marking, signage repair and jetting works.

The largest single investment into Highways Investment we have made, the £25million Priority One programme has allowed us to fully resurface those areas that need it, rather than simply repair defects, providing a more robust long-term solution.

Over the coming week, works will continue to progress at pace across the county, with 5-10 resurfacing projects taking place each week. Read full story

Colchester Rapid Transit System - Northern Approach Road works December 2024

Works are continuing to progress on the Colchester Rapid Transit System

The contractor undertaking the works has recently published a newsletter with updates on the works completed so far, and the next stages.

For more information read the newsletter in full. 

Highways Highlights - November / December 2024

The November / December edition of Highways Highlights has now been published.

The newsletter for all things highway in Essex.

In this edition:

£2 million cycle and footway upgrade completed in Harlow

Easier access to Harlow Town Centre with new resurfacing, streetlighting and more.

A popular walking and cycling route connecting Harlow Town Centre with local businesses has been given a major upgrade thanks to a £2 million grant.

The 1.4-mile route running from Netteswell Orchard to The Pinnacles on Elizabeth Way was built as part of the Harlow New Town development, becoming well used by commuters and residents alike.

One-of-a-kind machine trialled to prevent flooding in Essex

Innovative technology uses compressed air to create water channels.

A new method to drain high water levels is being trialled by Essex Highways to combat seasonal flooding in rural parts of the county.

Grip Cutting fires jets of compressed air into verges to create channels, allowing water to flow into ditches and drains.

Rural roads are increasingly affected by flooding and surface water issues due to high volumes of rainfall in short periods.

St Botolph's Circus - Tree notices

With design work on the St Botolph’s Circus scheme progressing, we will this week be placing notices on site to advise of the need to remove several trees as part of the works. To undertake this process we are required to consult with local residents.

In a similar process to Traffic Regulation Orders, this requires notices to be placed,  which provides information on the scheme and a link directing people to how they can comment on the removal.

Calls for car tax paid by Essex drivers to be invested in Essex’s roads

Tax currently paid by Essex car drivers should be reinvested in repairing the county's roads, the Essex County Council Leader has said.

Ringfencing Vehicle Excise Duty so it's included in the council's annual budget from Government and using it to repair potholes and other road issues would significantly boost the council's ability to deliver more repairs and road maintenance across Essex.

Essex County Council Leader, Councillor Kevin Bentley, said: "Essex motorists are facing a significant increase in the tax they pay for their vehicles but no prospect of the return on investment needed from Government to help fix the county's roads.

Clingoe Hill works enter phase 2 - Switchover 9 and 10 December

The next stage of works of works on Clingoe Hill will see construction of the new central reservation. To undertake this work safely there will be a major traffic management switch. This will see the current contraflow removed, with two lanes travelling westbound on the new asphalt carriageway.

The switchover into Phase 2 will take place on 9 and 10 December 2024 between 8pm and 5am. During these nighttime works single lane running will be in operation east and westbound from the Greenstead roundabout to Colchester Road. Boundary Road access and egress onto Clingoe Hill will be closed throughout the nightworks.

Senior Engineer

Location: Chelmsford

Contract Type: Permanent

The undertaking of analysis and design of bridge and retaining wall structures in reinforced concrete, and steel. To provide technical analysis expertise and experience-based leadership within a small design team. Working as part of a team and reporting to the team leader, the successful candidate will be key in developing junior staff whilst maintaining high standards in their own work. The role contributes to the delivery of the structures programme of work.

The successful candidate will work within or across a team delivering structure refurbishment, assessment and replacement schemes. This will require use of initiative, detailed knowledge of structural design codes, of the DMRB, MCHW and of CDM regulation and processes.

For more information and to apply for the role please visit Ringway Jacobs Careers

‘Priority One’ road surfacing works underway in Stanway, Canvey Island, Basildon and Wickford

£25 million Priority One Highways programme continues across the county.

Priority One resurfacing work has started this week in Stanway, Canvey Island, Basildon and Wickford.

A £25 million ‘Priority One’ highways funding programme was announced in the Autumn. This funding boost has meant more highways crews and resources are available to address issues that matter most to residents.