Residents in Brightlingsea’s Bellfield Avenue face more weeks of disruption after bad weather and a host of unforseen problems have delayed the reconstruction of the uneven road.

The work to replace the 70-year-old concrete slabs – initially costed at £600,000 and the most expensive local road repair in Essex – started in November. Essex Highways now says it anticipates completing the scheme in early March.

Residents have been informed by letter about the delays. According to Essex Highways, “key factors” that have impacted the work include:

• Additional unplanned works in Regents Road and the upgrade of the footway around the junction bellmouth.
• Additional footway and vehicle driveway/crossover works have been added to each phase of the scheme.
• Replacement of badly cracked gully pots and broken surface water pipes which were exposed after excavation of the existing road.
• Replacement of cracked manhole rings. This was causing water to leach out and create ‘soft spots’ under the road which meant manholes had to be broken out and reconstructed.
• Freezing conditions during the week commencing 6 January 2025 required the cancellation of concrete delivery for the footway reconstruction as it was too cold to pour.

“While these additional works and delays are regrettable, our aim is to complete the works to a high possible standard, to provide a long term benefit to the community,” said Essex Highways.

“We will continue to do our best to mitigate these impacts on the programme and keep residents informed as the scheme progresses.”