Motorists in Chelmsford, Epping Forest and Basildon will encounter a series of temporary road closures and clearways starting in August 2026, according to official notices published by Essex County Council on the Public Notice Portal and in the Essex Chronicle. The orders, made under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, outline scheduled start dates, diversion routes and clearway restrictions to facilitate drainage, utility, tree and carriageway works across the region.
Access for emergency services will be maintained where stated, and dates may vary subject to on-site signage and permitting by the relevant undertakers. Residents and commuters are advised to check roadside signs and one.network for confirmed timings before travelling.
Key Closures and Dates in Chelmsford
Several roads in the Chelmsford area will be affected, with works ranging from drainage improvements to utility pole replacements. The following closures have been scheduled:
- Brook Lane and Pipers Tye, Galleywood: From August 24, 2026, for 12 days. Closure between Watchouse Road and Vicarage Lane (approx 980m), with a temporary no waiting, no loading and no stopping clearway. Diversion via Galleywood Road, Vicarage Lane, Church Street, West Hanningfield Road and Brook Lane. Order effective from August 6, 2026, for up to 18 months.
- Colam Lane, Little Baddow: From August 27, 2026, for two days. Closure between Holybread Lane and North Hill (approx 1325m) for drainage works. Diversion via Holybread Lane and North Hill. Order effective from August 6, 2026, for up to 18 months.
- Cooksmill Green, Highwood/Roxwell: From August 26, 2026, for two days. Closure for approx 1195m near Ongar Road for tree works by Ground Control. Diversion via Highwood Road Roundabout and Ongar Road, with access only into Cooksmill Green, Radley Green Road, Newney Green, Victoria Road and Bulimers Way. Order effective from August 6, 2026, for up to 18 months.
- Grange Road, Pleshey: From August 24, 2026, for two days. Closure for approx 110m southeast of Blakes Lane for Openreach pole replacement. Diversion via Grange Road and Blakes Lane. Order effective from August 6, 2026, for up to 18 months.
- Littley Green Road, Great Waltham: From August 24, 2026, for two days. Short closure near Littley Park Lane for Openreach pole works. Diversion via Littley Green Road, Hyde Hall Lane, Chatham Hall Lane, B1008, B1417, Causeway End Road, Felstead Road and Littley Green Road. Order effective from August 6, 2026, for up to 18 months.
- South Hanningfield Road, South Hanningfield/Rettendon: From August 28, 2026, for one day. Closure for carriageway patching works by Essex County Council. Diversion via South Hanningfield Road, Main Road, Rettendon Turnpike, A132, Church End Lane, Brock Hill and South Hanningfield Road. Order effective from August 6, 2026, for up to 18 months.
- East Hanningfield Road, Sandon: From August 10, 2026, for three days. Closure near Alexander Mews for UK Power Networks overhead service connection. Diversion via East Hanningfield Road, The Common, The Tye, Main Road, Rettendon Road, East Hanningfield Road, Main Road and Southend Road. Order effective from July 23, 2026, for up to 18 months.
- Main Road, Great Leighs: From August 10, 2026, for five days. Closure near Aragon Road for new gas connection works by Gas Transportation Company. Diversion via Main Road, Banters Lane, Mill Lane, Boreham Road and Main Road. Order effective from July 23, 2026, for up to 18 months.
- Sporhams Lane, Danbury/Sandon: From August 10, 2026, for 19 days. Closure from Fitzwalter Lane for surface water alleviation works by Essex County Council. Diversion via Sporhams Lane, Woodhill Common Road and Woodhill Road. Order effective from July 23, 2026, for up to 18 months.
Wider Programme Affecting Multiple Roads
In addition to the specific closures, Essex County Council has issued two wider orders covering multiple roads in Chelmsford, Epping Forest and Basildon. These will operate within an 18-month window starting July 23, 2026, with closures and clearway restrictions applied as needed.
Various Roads, Chelmsford and Epping Forest (No. 7)
Works will take place within an 18-month window from July 23, 2026. Key locations include:
- Skreens Park Road, Roxwell: Between Shellow Road and Boyton Cross Lane (approx 2605m).
- Shellow Road, Willingale, Ongar: Between Skreens Road and Beech Road (approx 2210m).
Diversions will be via The Street, Vicarage Road, A1060, B184, School Lane, Birds Green and Dukes Lane. Access for emergency services will be maintained. Residents will receive letters and see advance warning signs before each phase.
Various Roads, Basildon (No. 9)
This order covers works within an 18-month window from July 23, 2026. Specific closures include:
- A130 New Bypass, Bowers Gifford (northbound): From the A1245 slip to Rayleigh Spur Roundabout (approx 360m). Diversion via A1245, A127, A129 and A13.
- A13 Underpass/Canvey Way, Bowers Gifford (northbound): From A13 slip to Rayleigh Spur Roundabout (approx 3167m). Diversion via A13, A129 and A127 (A1245, A130).
What Motorists Need to Know
Clearway restrictions will be in place on specified sections during closures, meaning no waiting, loading or stopping. Existing parking and waiting restrictions are suspended only where stated; all other provisions of the relevant consolidation orders remain in force. Dates may change, so motorists are advised to check roadside signs and one.network for confirmed timings before travel.
The works are being carried out by various organisations, including Essex County Council for drainage and surface water alleviation, UK Power Networks and Gas Transportation Company for utility connections, and Ground Control for tree works. For any enquiries, contact Essex County Council’s Contact Centre on 0345 603 7631.
Diversion Routes and Updates
Diversions are signed locally and set out in the notices, including alternatives via Galleywood Road, Vicarage Lane, Church Street, West Hanningfield Road, the A1060, B184 and other local routes. For the Basildon programme, signed diversions include the A1245, A127, A129 and A13.
To stay updated, check advance warning signs on the road and one.network for confirmed dates. Those with concerns or who believe they may be adversely impacted are encouraged to contact Essex County Council’s Contact Centre on 0345 603 7631.
These notices were posted on the Public Notice Portal and in the Essex Chronicle. Readers can view the original public notice for full details, including schedules, permit numbers and any subsequent amendments.
