Early Engagement on Essex Road Schemes
Osborne, along with Highways England, WSP and Interserve met with district and parish councillors from around Essex to present and discuss plans for maintenance works. These works will take place on the A12 and A120 all between the M25 and Harwich Port in Essex.
The planned schemes include resurfacing, roadmarking renewals, technology schemes and refurbishment work to structures. All require overnight closures of either the A12 or A120 with traffic being diverted along local roads, some of which include residential areas and villages.
Representatives from fifteen local councils attended to see the plans, have an overview of the works and engage in a useful discussion. It was agreed that engagement at the earliest possible stage is of significant benefit to all. By making district and parish councillors aware of works in advance, they can offer valuable local knowledge to advise how traffic management can be implemented with the minimum of disruption to parishioners and local businesses. It also allows members of the public to find out about the works through existing channels of communication.
On one of the schemes, the start and end times were altered and diversion routes were changed following discussions raised by local councils. By engaging with these audiences at an earlier stage, it is anticipated that roadworks can be delivered with greater support from local councils and businesses and less disruption to residents and road users.
Following the event, Tendring District Councillor Fred Nicholls summarised his views: “I think the engagement was good. I believe it was appreciated to go to the council individually BEFORE any works take place- to get their take on what is proposed and to make contact with town and district councillors to explore their views.”
Following the engagement and discussions- the works on the A120 now start later and finish earlier to better accommodate arrivals and departures at Harwich Port, reducing the volume of traffic on the local diversion routes.
