🚧 “Not More Roadworks!” Braintree Residents Fed Up as New Round of Road Closures Hit Braintree
Residents across Braintree and North Essex say they’ve had enough - as yet another wave of road closures and temporary traffic lights appear across the district.
For many, it feels like every journey comes with a new diversion sign.
“Seems like every time I leave the house there’s another set of temporary lights up!” one driver told Braintree Local.
“You drive past and there’s no one even there doing anything. Meanwhile our money’s paying for it,” another added.
🛑 Why Locals Are Losing Patience
Between water repairs, broadband works, resurfacing and signage upgrades - many residents say it’s the constant overlap and poor coordination that make the roadworks unbearable.
Some roads have faced repeat closures within weeks, leaving drivers stuck in queues while nearby roads shoulder extra traffic.
“Sometimes you’ll have three sets of lights between Bocking and the town centre,” one commuter said. “And half the time, no one’s even working on them.”
Others point to the cost and disruption, arguing that better planning could prevent the town from feeling like a permanent construction zone.
🏗️ The Official Line
Essex County Council says the closures are short-term and essential to keep the network safe and maintained. Utility companies - including Anglian Water, Openreach, and Affinity Water - also stress that most of the work is required by law and scheduled to minimise disruption wherever possible.
But residents argue it rarely feels that way, with some calling for night-time works, clearer signage, and better public communication to explain why so many projects overlap.
🚧 Upcoming Roadworks Across Braintree District
📍 Park Drive, Braintree (Bocking)
• When: 11–13 November 2025 (3 days)
• Reason: New water connection works
• Carried out by: Anglian Water
📍 Boars Tye Road, Silver End
• When: 11–15 November 2025 (approx. 5 days)
• Reason: New water connection
• Carried out by: Essex & Suffolk Water
📍 Old Road, Feering
• When: 25 November 2025 (1 day)
• Reason: Water maintenance works
• Carried out by: Anglian Water
📍 Dyers End, Stambourne
• When: 27–30 August 2025 (3 days
• Reason: New electrical connection
• Carried out by: UK Power Networks
📍 Sudbury Road, Gestingthorpe
• When: 26–27 August 2025 (2 days)
• Reason: Carriageway patching (surface repairs)
• Carried out by: Essex County Council Highways
📍 Parsonage Street, Halstead
• When: 11–14 August 2025 (3 days)
• Reason: New water connection
• Carried out by: Anglian Water
📍 Star Lane, Greenstead Green
• When: 11–13 August 2025 (2 days)
• Reason: Frame and cover renewal (telecoms)
• Carried out by: Openreach
📍 Marlborough Road, Braintree
• When: 4–6 September 2025 (2 days)
• Reason: Telecommunications maintenance
• Carried out by: Openreach
📍 Mill Hill, Braintree
• When: 20–27 August 2025 (up to 7 days)
• Reason: New power connection
• Carried out by: UK Power Networks
📍 A120 (Braintree section, eastbound)
• When: 11–13 November 2025 (overnight, 8pm–5am)
• Reason: Safety barrier repairs (lane closures)
• Carried out by: National Highways
⚠️ Reminder
All dates are subject to change due to weather or permit delays.
🚦 What Do You Think?
Do you think the timing of roadworks around Braintree is fair or could it be managed better?
Would you rather see night works or more advance warning before major closures?
Drop your thoughts below 👇 and tell us how roadworks are impacting your week.
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