Essex County Council has issued multiple temporary traffic and footpath orders affecting Chelmsford and surrounding villages, citing public safety during works and events. The public notice, dated August 20 2026 and published in print as Essex Chronicle, details closures and diversions across Chelmsford Garden, Little Waltham, East Hanningfield, Little Baddow, Chelmer Village, Sandon, and routes towards Chignal and Great Waltham.
What is changing and when
Chelmsford Garden footpaths 22 and 23 will be closed from 1 September 2026 to 1 March 2027 for works linked to the Northern Radial Distributor Road. Extensions may apply where signed and weather permitting.
Domsey Lane, Little Waltham and Chelmsford Garden will be access only from 22 August 2026 to 30 August 2026, 12:01am to 11:59pm daily, to support special events at Wheelers Hill.
Multiple short-term closures will take place from 3 September 2026 to 17 September 2026 across East Hanningfield, Little Baddow, Chelmer Village and Sandon for utility and drainage works.
Chelmsford Garden footpath closures (Footpaths 22 and 23)
Footpath 22 will be closed from Footpath 35 north for about 400m to Wheelers Hill. Footpath 23 will be closed from Footpath 33 north for about 595m to Wheelers Hill. The closures run from 1 September 2026 to 1 March 2027 for construction of the Northern Radial Distributor Road.
Two diversion options are available. Option 1: Footpath 35, Footpath 34, Back Lane, Wheelers Hill West, Bridleway 55. Option 2: Footpath 35, Footpath 34, Footpath 27, Footpath 28, Footpath 59, Brook Hill, Church Hill, Footpath 16, Footpath 17, Footpath 19, Wheelers Hill.
Domsey Lane, Little Waltham/Chelmsford Garden – access only for events
Domsey Lane will be subject to a temporary prohibition of traffic, with access only permitted from 22 August 2026 to 30 August 2026, 12:01am to 11:59pm. The diversion route is Pratts Farm Lane, A131, Main Road, Boreham Road and vice versa. Events include Back to the 80s on 22 August, Summer Solstice on 29 August, and R & B Lovers on 30 August.
Back Lane, East Hanningfield – closure for duct works
Back Lane will be closed from Old Church Road to Fillioll Close (about 30m) from 14 September 2026 for 3 days under permit BC311004WGSWR45V for Openreach. The diversion is via Back Lane, Old Church Road and vice versa.
Church Road, Little Baddow – closure for drainage works
Church Road will be closed from Chapel Lane for about 90m north west from 3 September 2026 for 2 days under permit EP201EH2408965 for Essex County Council. Two diversion routes are available: Church Road, Hammonds Road, Hurrells Lane, Chapel Lane, Church Road; or Church Road, Colam Lane, North Hill, Worlds End, Mowden Hall Lane, B1137, Plantation Road, Church Road.
Chelmer Village – Marston Beck and Storms Way closures
Marston Beck will be closed from Colyers Reach for about 45m north east from 14 September 2026 for 3 days under permit BC411002WGSGR27K for Openreach. No diversion is available.
Storms Way will be closed from Brook End Road South for about 35m south west from 14 September 2026 for 5 days under permit EN013332989 for Essex and Suffolk Water. The diversion is via Storms Way, Sandford Mill Road, Chelmer Village Way, Kingsford Drive, Brook End Road South and vice versa.
Woodhill Road, Sandon – continuing closure for power works
Woodhill Road will be closed from Molrams Lane for about 300m (south easterly, north easterly then easterly), continuing from 17 August 2026 under permit EC30070859338 for UK Power Networks. The diversion is via Woodhill Road, Bicknacre Road, The Common, Penny Royal Road, Mayes Lane, A414, A1060, Molrams Lane and vice versa.
Mashbury Road, Chignal/Great Waltham – cabling works
Mashbury Road will be closed from Barrack Lane for about 3,145m (south westerly then north westerly) from 1 September 2026 for 3 days under permits BC311003WGTWFH1P and BC311004WGTWFH1P for Openreach. The diversion is via Mashbury Road, Fox Road, Smallshoes Hill, Barrack Road, Bury Road, The Street, Pleshey Road, Penden Hill, The Village, Barrack Lane and vice versa.
Questions and answers
Access will be maintained where safe and signed. Domsey Lane will be access only during event dates. Dates may vary subject to valid permits, signage and weather. Check local signage and the council’s updates. Bus services may be diverted where closures apply. Passengers should check operator updates before travelling. Those who have any concerns or believe they may be adversely impacted are encouraged to contact Essex County Council’s network management team and review diversion signage on site.
