‘Unexpected issues’ mean Newland Street roadworks will overrun – Braintree and Witham Times

ROAD bosses have apologised after revealing road closures in Witham town centre will remain in place for longer than expected.

Essex Highways has confirmed work on installing new traffic signal equipment in Newland Street will not finish by the original Monday, February 10, deadline due to 'unexpected issues'.

Both Collingwood Road and Maldon Road have been partially closed since Monday, January 13, to allow workman to improve traffic lights at the junctions with Newland Street.

Diversions have been in place and work was expected to take only four weeks.

However, Essex Highways has now confirmed work will take a week longer and be completed by Sunday, February 16.

A spokesman said: "Works to renew the traffic signal equipment begun as planned. In addition to the planned works, we have undertaken remedial works to sunken paving blocks within the crossing carpets, which was not originally part of the proposed works.

"We have also worked collaboratively with utility companies to utilise the road space and repaired a damaged manhole cover.

"Unfortunately, due to unexpected issues arising the programme has been affected and the completion date of the works is delayed.

"We are working hard to try to complete the works as soon as possible.

"We would like to apologise for the delay and thank residents and businesses for their patience and co-operation while we complete these works."

Workers have been installing underground cable ducts and new extra low voltage equipment to reduce the carbon footprint of the traffic lights in Newland Street.

Temporary traffic lights have been put in place and parts of Collingwood and Maldon roads closed to 'ensure the safety' of workers.

In January, Essex Highways said the closures would help reduce the time taken to complete the works and to keep congestion to a minimum.

Access for residents and pedestrians have been been maintained at all times.

A temporary pedestrian crossing has also be set up in Newland Street.

For more information about the work, visit essexhighways.org.

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'Unexpected issues' mean Newland Street roadworks will overrun - Braintree and Witham Times