WORK has begun on a £1.8 million project in Heybridge Basin.

Essex and Suffolk Water, in partnership with Essex Waterways, are replacing the lock gate at Heybridge Basin, along with a number of gates further upstream.

The essential work will lead to some disruption and temporary lock closures, as cranes operate on the site.

The existing lock was removed in October 2015 to keep closure of the lock to a minimum during this stage of the project.

It is hoped that the replacement lock will be in place in the next seven months, with it reopening in March 2017.

A spokesman for Essex and Suffolk Water said: “As part of a £1.8 million investment, installation works for the new gate has started this month.

“The essential replacement work will involve closing and draining the lock, crane lifting operations for the gates and the assembly and testing of the new gates prior to the re-opening of the lock in March 2017.

“To carry out the work, there will be some disruption and temporary lock closures. We will endeavour to keep this to an absolute minimum.

“Our team has been working hard to keep the local community and waterway users up to date with the project.

“You can find out more and see the latest news about the Heybridge Lock Basin in a community portal with live updates from the team members.”

A website has been set up by Essex & Suffolk Water to keep residents up to date with the work that is going on.

There will also be regular updates of any traffic problems that may occur as a result of the work.

For more information on the work being undertaken visit eswcommunityportal.co.uk/Projects/heybridge/Activity