SOUTH Woodham Ferrers “will become gridlocked” if roadworks are given the go-ahead, residents claim.

Six new pedestrian crossings are proposed between Shaw Farm and Saltcoats roundabout, as well as another roundabout on the B1012.

Woodham Infrastructure Group is carrying out a survey to bring attention to Essex Highways and Chelmsford City Council in the hope that they will consider alternatives.

The group argue that the roadworks will cause more queues and exhaust pollution as well as encouraging motorists to avoid that section of the road, increasing traffic through the town centre.

The group is also concerned that once work begins on the proposed Bradwell B nuclear plant, if it gets the go-ahead, power station traffic will increase considerably.

A spokesman from Woodham Infrastructure Group said: “It is apparent there is a lack of joined-up thinking and foresight between the various local authorities and partnerships, all of which will adversely impact upon the residents of South Woodham Ferrers and motorists travelling from Maldon and the Dengie.

“The B1012 is the one section of highway that has to cater for all Bradwell B traffic movements, whichever strategic route is selected.

“Traffic congestion in South Woodham Ferrers creates pressure on some motorists to increase speed and take unnecessary risks after escaping the delays and this causes avoidable serious accidents and injuries on the A132 west of the town and the B1012, B1010 and B1018 to the east.

“Additional snarl-ups would increase the accident rate on these roads. The local authorities need to reconsider a northern bypass around the perimeter of the new development before building any new houses and link it to the A132.

“Unless Chelmsford City planners and Essex county highways are willing to open their eyes and ears, then with or without Bradwell B, they are sleepwalking into gridlock and all local road users will suffer.”

Now the group wants to carry out a survey to gauge how people feel and highlight the situation.