The A127 is set to close for two nights from tonight to allow for the removal of a footbridge at the Bell junction.

Additional A127 maintenance work will also be carried out over this weekend to minimise disruption from the closures on the stretch between the Tesco roundabout and Manners Way.

The £5million Bell junction upgrade project, which is funded with £4.3million from the Government’s Local Growth Fund, will see a number of changes to the layout of the junction to improve traffic flow on the A127.

Part of the improvement work will see the existing footbridge removed as it fails to meet existing disability discrimination legislation because of the stepped ramps, and removal allows room for the new dedicated lane onto Rochford Road and new pedestrian island on Hobleythick Lane.

To allow the safe removal of the footbridge, overnight road closures, in both Southend and London bound directions will be in place from 8pm tonight to 6.30am tomorrow and from 8pm tomorrow to 6.30am on Sunday. 

These works are subject to weather conditions, and if necessary, a further overnight closure may be required on Sunday, running into Monday. Vehicle access will be provided to residents and businesses during this closure.

The Bell Junction will also be closed with no access from Rochford Road or Hobleythick Lane. The north end of Hobleythick Lane will also be closed.

All lane closures will be signposted, including appropriate diversions. Access to Denton Approach from Prince Avenue has been blocked off whilst works are carried out.