Rebecca met with Cadent this morning for a further briefing on the major gas main replacement works taking place between 25th July and 15th August.
Cadent also met with local councillors this afternoon and held a public information event on the corner of London Road and Rushbottom Lane, where residents could view the plans and ask questions.
At her meeting, Rebecca asked questions from residents who told her they couldn’t make the information event today, and their answers are below:
- Why can’t Cadent simply put more engineers on site and finish sooner?
Cadent advised that three separate engineering teams will be working on the scheme and, during the main road closure, they will be working 24 hours a day, seven days a week to complete the work as quickly as possible.
- What are the official diversion routes?
The official diversion will be via the A127, not through Canvey Island. Cadent says this route will be fed into Google Maps and other satellite navigation providers.
- What is happening along the bus routes?
First Bus has updated its website with revised bus routes: www.firstbus.co.uk/.../21-21s-22-28-london-road...
- Have the emergency services been informed?
Yes. Cadent confirmed that the emergency services have been fully briefed and are satisfied they will still be able to reach properties if required.
- Will the traffic lights be adjusted to help traffic flow?
Yes. Cadent has asked Essex Highways to alter the phasing of the traffic lights to improve traffic flow during the works.
- What will happen at the Tarpots traffic lights?
Traffic travelling between High Road and Rushbottom Lane will still be able to pass through the junction. However, there will be no access onto the closed section of London Road while the works are taking place.
- Will Canvey become the official diversion route?
No. Cadent confirmed the official diversion is via the A127, specifically to avoid sending large volumes of through traffic onto Canvey Island.
- Will any other roads be affected?
Yes. Hatley Gardens will be closed at the Tarpots end to prevent rat running onto High Road. Croft Road will also be temporarily closed while Cadent replaces another section of gas main there.
- Why can’t directional drilling be used instead of digging up the road?
Cadent said they have already used directional drilling where possible. However, this section of gas main has numerous low-pressure connections branching off to supply nearby homes and businesses. Those connections have to be exposed and changed, making an open trench unavoidable.
- Why can’t the gas main simply be diverted into another road?
Cadent explained that this is a medium pressure main with many low pressure branch connections serving the surrounding area going all the way to Southend. Diverting it into side roads would require a much larger scheme, create even more disruption and still involve reconnecting it to the existing main at another point on the A13.
- Will Cadent still deal with potholes and re-lay the road either side of the works?
Yes. Cadent confirmed they still intend to honour the commitment made to the former Essex County Councillor for South Benfleet to resurface the A13 between Tarpots and Sadlers Farm once the works have been completed, helping tackle the poor condition of the road and the potholes.
- Could the works overrun?
Yes, but Cadent say they have done all they can to minimise the chances. They explained that because the full trench will be open, any unexpected issues can usually be dealt with more quickly than if the work was being carried out in smaller sections. They have committed to keeping residents informed should any problems arise.
Rebecca said: "I will continue to pass on residents’ specific concerns to Cadent and help them promote any updates on the work they send out in the meantime."
