Heybridge: new roundabout being built in Langford Road

Essex Highways has confirmed work on a new roundabout has commenced at the Westcombe Park Development, adjacent to Langford Road in Heybridge, just to the south of the old Langford Bridge.

Bosses say concerns were with the road alignment and embankment slopes following recent clearance of vegetation from the sides of the existing road.

"As a result, a temporary speed limit has been introduced for extra protection, with additional signage being installed until permanent improvements are completed," a spokesman said.

The proposed new road alignment is being designed to "significantly improve" safety, including the introduction of vehicle restraint barriers.

This will involve a period of single-lane traffic flow controlled by traffic lights while the required earthworks take place to build the new embankment. 

Project - an image of how the new roundabout will look (Image: Essex Highways)

Once the new roundabout has been constructed and is ready to take traffic, Essex Highways says the developer is planning to tie in the northern and southern legs of the new roundabout to the existing road during the school holiday period, to minimise disruption. 

A spokesman added: "If all goes well with the initial stage of the works, a road closure will be required to tie in the new road and reopen it to traffic as quickly as possible.

"We will continue to post information as we receive updates from the developer as their work proceeds, including dates of changing traffic management."

The new roundabout is part of the Westcombe Park Development, owned by housebuilder, Bellway Thames Gateway.

Bellway opened its doors to the site in February.

This development is the second phase of the wider project and is situated at the north-eastern edge of the new neighbourhood, which covers 188 acres. 

To keep up to date with the roundabout project, head to essexhighways.org/news.