UPDATE: TARPOTS ROAD CLOSURE – CLOSURE TIME, SERVICE RESTORATION AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT!
I went and spoke to the local network manager on site this morning and it looks like THE ROAD WILL REMAIN CLOSED FOR MOST OF NEXT WEEK.
PLEASE MAKE ALTERNATE PLANS FOR TRAVEL AND SHARE THIS WITH ANYONE YOU KNOW PLANNING TO USE THE ROUTE TOMORROW OR LATER IN THE WEEK!
Essex and Suffolk Water will be working 24/7 to fix the problem and get the road re-laid as soon as possible. There are still a few roads without water service but I understand service should be restored in the next few hours.
I had big concerns about the traffic management of the site that I raised directly with them. The diversion route should not be towards Canvey, Waterside Farm and up through Benfleet, but to the A127 for through traffic instead. The last thing we want is traffic to Southend clogging up the A130, Essex Way and Benfleet High Road. I mentioned this to the manager on site and I am pleased that the diversion route should be changed later today. The signs informing motorists of the closure also need to be placed a lot further East on the A13 so motorists can avoid Sadlers Farm if they can and decrease traffic on the roundabout itself. Again I am pleased that Essex and Suffolk Water are planning to resolve this too.
I have spoken to our MP Rebecca Harris about this an ask her to raise it with company management as this is the third major road closure from Essex and Suffolk Water in as many weeks and its completely unacceptable. That said, I am grateful for their quick response on the ground.
Essex and Suffolk Water, invest in your infrastructure properly and stop causing misery for local residents closing roads to fix pipes that should be better maintained in the first place. WE ARE AFTERALL YOUR CUSTOMERS!