Summer of chaos for Southend's commuters

Drivers can expect to run into long tailbacks when the town's main east-to-west artery is cut to one-way traffic controlled by temporary lights.

The vital repairs will also affect train travellers as workers repairing the bridge will need access to the Great Eastern line underneath it.

Southend Council highways officers said everything would be done to minimise delays but they warned the summer will be a "difficult period" at Priory bridge.

The essential work has to be carried out to the A1159 bridge because it must be brought up to new European road standards for carrying 40 ton lorries.

Up to £500,000 has been set aside and the work could begin from Saturday, July 23.

The bridge near Priory Park and Anglian sewage works provides the main link to eastern Southend with the A127 at Cuckoo Corner.

It will take six weeks to complete the work and motorists will be diverted off Eastern Avenue, down Sutton Road, along East Street and then up Victoria Avenue back to Cuckoo Corner.

Councillors on the town's planning and transportation committee reluctantly agreed the work knowing it will bring complaints.

Tory councillor David Garston said: "This a bit like having your teeth done. It's painful but it's got be done."

Tory Daphne White said: "This is going to cause tremendous disruption to the east of the town."

Assistant director of technical services Graham Garner said it was impossible to run two-way traffic over the bridge during the repairs.

He added: "Regrettably, this will lead to delays. We will do everything to publicise alternative routes but they are not particularly attractive.

"There is another factor. Not only will we be affecting road traffic but affecting rail traffic.

"This will be a difficult period but the right time to do this will be during the summer although the disruptive effect will be put on tourists."

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