Essex County Council has issued a series of statutory notices for temporary road and rights of way restrictions across the City of Chelmsford, affecting Springfield, Roxwell, Great Waltham, Little Baddow, Chignal, Boreham, and Broomfield. The notices, dated August 6, 2026, were published in the Essex Chronicle and on the Public Notice Portal, outlining closures for essential maintenance and utility works.
Springfield Footpath Closure for Upgrades
In Springfield, a footpath between Pump Lane and Mayne Crest will be closed from August 8, 2026, to February 8, 2027, for footway upgrades. The closure covers approximately 35 metres, with an alternative route via Mayne Crest, Belmonde Drive, Brackenden Drive, and Pump Lane. The order takes effect on August 8, 2026, and may last up to six months, following an earlier notice under section 14(2) from August 3, 2026.
Roxwell Footpath 29 Closure Due to Surface Failure
Footpath 29 in Roxwell will be closed from August 10, 2026, due to surface material falling into the river. The closure extends from Footpath 27 north for about 250 metres over the bridge to Skreens Park Road. An alternative route is available via Footpath 27 off Stonehill Road. The order is effective from August 10, 2026, for up to six months, following a section 14(2) notice from July 20, 2026.
Great Waltham Byway 25 Surface Improvements
Byway 25 in Great Waltham is proposed for closure from August 17, 2026, to November 17, 2026, for surface improvement works. The closure runs from Ringtail Green south to Penden Hill, approximately 2155 metres. A diversion will be in place via Ringtail Green, Pleshey Road, Ford End Road, Pleshey Road, and Penden Hill. The order takes effect on August 17, 2026, and may run up to six months.
Little Baddow Church Road Drainage Works
Church Road in Little Baddow will be closed from September 3, 2026, for two days, for drainage works by Essex County Council under permit EP201EH2408965. The closure starts at the junction with Chapel Lane and extends about 90 metres north west. Two alternative routes are provided: one via Church Road, Hammonds Road, Hurrells Lane, Chapel Lane, and Church Road; the other via Church Road, Colam Lane, North Hill, Worlds End, Mowden Hall Lane, B1137, Plantation Road, and Church Road. The order comes into effect on August 13, 2026, and may run up to 18 months.
Chignal and Great Waltham Mashbury Road Cabling Works
Mashbury Road in Chignal and Great Waltham will be closed from September 1, 2026, for three days, for cabling works by Openreach under permits BC311003WGTWFH1P and BC311004WGTWFH1P. The closure begins at the junction with Barrack Lane and extends about 3145 metres in a south westerly then north westerly direction. A diversion is via Mashbury Road, Fox Road, Smallshoes Hill, Barrack Road, Bury Road, The Street, Pleshey Road, Penden Hill, The Village, and Barrack Lane. The order takes effect on August 13, 2026, and may run up to 18 months.
Boreham Waltham Road Water Mains Upgrade
Waltham Road in Boreham will be closed from August 24, 2026, for five days, for water mains upgrade works by Essex and Suffolk Water under permit EN01365723A. The closure is about 10 metres south east of Cranham Road for about 25 metres. A diversion is via Waltham Road, B1137, A131, Wheelers Hill, Drakes Lane, Boreham Road, and Waltham Road. The order comes into effect on August 13, 2026, and may run up to 18 months.
Broomfield Partridge Green and Woodhouse Lane Cabling Works
An order has been made to close Partridge Green and Woodhouse Lane in Broomfield from about 120 metres north west then south west of Woodlands Way for about 230 metres, for cabling works by Openreach under permits BC311001WGJD3L1P and BC311002WGJD3L1P. The closure is scheduled for August 17, 2026, for two days, with no diversion available. The order came into effect on July 30, 2026, and may run up to 18 months.
Key Questions Answered
Which locations are affected?
Closures cover Springfield, Roxwell, Great Waltham, Little Baddow, Chignal, Boreham, and Broomfield within the City of Chelmsford.
Why are the closures needed?
Essex County Council cites public and workforce safety during footway upgrades, drainage works, cabling by Openreach, water mains upgrades by Essex and Suffolk Water, and surface repairs where ground conditions have failed.
How long could restrictions last?
Individual works range from two to five days, but the legal orders allow up to 6 months for the two footpath or byway closures and up to 18 months for road closures, or until works are completed.
Where can I view maps and official updates?
Look for on-site signage and search one.network for live permitting information, or check the Public Notice Portal listing and Essex County Council channels.
How can I raise concerns or request adjustments?
Those who have any concerns or believe they may be adversely impacted are encouraged to contact Essex County Council’s highways team quoting the relevant road name, permit number, and dates.
Will public transport be affected?
The notices do not specify changes to bus services; passengers should check with operators before travelling.
Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians are advised to follow signed diversions, allow extra time, and take care near work areas. Road users should comply with any temporary speed and access restrictions displayed on local signage.
