Message from Essex Highways.

In light of the reduction in traffic in Harlow due to the coronavirus and in order to make best use of staff resources currently available, a temporary road closure of Edinburgh Way (westbound only) will be in place from Tuesday 14 April through to Friday 1 May 2020. This closure will allow programmed activities to continue, which might have otherwise been delayed, due to the affect that the coronavirus is having on being able to resource the night shift.

An appropriate diversion will be in place during the closure, which will be effective 24 hours a day, 7 days a week while essential trench reinstatement works take place which extend over the width of the original carriageway.

Access to all side roads and businesses will be maintained, along with the pedestrian access on the south side of the scheme where possible. Advance warning notices will be in place in the coming days.

Traffic travelling eastbound on Edinburgh Way will not be affected by the road closure.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this change. We are regularly reviewing and adapting our work programme as the effects of the virus continues.

Please be assured we will endeavour to provide advance notice of changes via this webpage and social media however we would always encourage drivers to observe on site signage in place.

I would like to update you on the latest progress on our major improvement scheme for the A414 Edinburgh Way/Cambridge Rd roundabout in Harlow.

We had planned overnight road closures for Edinburgh Way, for Station Road adjacent to Harlow Mill roundabout and Harlow Mill roundabout itself during March and April to continue the work with minimal traffic disruption.

However, due to COVID-19 restrictions imposed, we have had to postpone those planned closures. We will now use the opportunity of quieter daytime traffic to keep to the programme by accelerating work that would have been done at night. Works are now scheduled for next week, commencing Tuesday 14thApril until Friday 1st May, using a 24-hour westbound road closure.

There will be an appropriate diversion for traffic during the closure, which will be effective 24 hours a day, 7 days a week while essential trench reinstatement works take place extending over the whole width of the original road.

Access to all side roads and businesses will be maintained, along with the pedestrian access on the south side of the scheme where possible. Advance warning notices will be put up on site in the coming days.

Traffic travelling eastbound on Edinburgh Way will not be affected by the road closure.

I am sorry for any inconvenience caused to residents or others by this change. We are regularly reviewing and adapting our work programme as the effects of the virus change.

Please be assured we will provide advance notice of planned changes on our A414 Edinburgh scheme webpage and on the Essex Highways Twitter account, however we would always encourage drivers to abide by signs on site.

I apologise to all residents and those who want to use these roads overnight, but I know you will understand that these issues are unfortunately beyond our control in current circumstances. At least when the current crisis is over, we will all enjoy the improvements to be made here.