RESIDENTS fear there could be traffic chaos in Hullbridge asakey road is closed for bridge repairs for three months.

The area around Beeches Road, near Beeches Bridge, is due to close today until November 8.

Brian Carleton, from the Hullbridge Residents’ Action Group, of High Elms Road, said: “It’s going to be a disaster for Hullbridge, especially when the kids are back at school.

“There will be traffic congestion all along the roads where cars are diverted. I don’t think we’ve been given enough advanced notice about it either.”

Downhall and Rawreth councillor Chris Black said: “It’s going to cause inconvenience and much more traffic along Rawreth Lane.”

An Essex County Council spokesman said the start date could be changed at short notice.

He added: “Beeches Road is provisionally due to be closed near Beeches Bridge from August 19 until November 8 to enable work to reconstruct the bridge to be carried out.

“The entire top deck of the bridge must be replaced to make it stronger and capable of carrying a larger load – up from three tonnes to 40 tonnes – to meet current highway standards.

“While the work takes place, there will be a temporary footbridge available for pedestrians.

“A diversion will be in place for motorists along Beeches Road, Rawreth Lane, Hullbridge Road and Watery Lane.”