THE planned closure of a critical main road has caused concern for residents who will see an influx of heavy goods vehicles in “underprepared” villages.
The works will see the A120 closed from Horsley Cross to the Ramsey roundabout as work is undertaken to assess the condition of the drainage on the stretch of road.
It will take place between 8pm and 6am from Monday until next Saturday.
As a result, eastbound traffic will be diverted off the A120 at Horsley Cross and through Bradfield and Wrabness, before rejoining at Ramsey.
Westbound traffic will follow the same diversion in reverse.
For Zoe Fairley, Tendring councillor responsible for the Stour Valley ward, the extra traffic is going to be an “absolute nightmare” as lorries headed for Harwich International Port will have to steam through small villages.
“The roads really aren’t built for these heavy vehicles, I’m really disappointed this is the route which has been chosen,” she said.
Read more:
- Pictured: The murderers who stabbed rapper to death in his own home
- Son of murdered Colchester woman recalls harrowing moment he realised his mum was dead
“It is a risk to residents and their property, not to mention the added risk of more traffic accidents. It has created a really difficult situation.
“Bradfield certainly isn’t set out for the level of HGV coming through it already, let alone with even more to come.
“Wrabness has very narrow roads and the edges are always being eaten away by big lorries.
“The signposts aren’t kept up to date either, which means lorries drive past their turn and then end up reversing up the roads and trying to squeeze round tight corners.
“There are already ongoing problems in Ramsey where HGVs are going through and causing damage to vehicles legitimately parked outside houses.
“They take off wing mirrors and we’ve seen the whole sides of cars taken out. They’re a huge issue in general but add extra to what’s already going on will be an absolute nightmare.
“The bridge in the village already has cracks in it and that’s been caused without a diversion - will it cope with added traffic?
“I’m extremely worried any damage won’t be put right and the villages will be left to suffer as a result of this diversion.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here