EMERGENCY services will use a route from Pitsea to Canvey amid fears of traffic chaos when a major south Essex road closes for vital works.

Major work is set to take place on Canvey Way at the end of this month to ensure the major route remains safe, however the works and closures have sparked concerns about residents.

Now, Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris has successfully lobbied Essex County Council to agree for a track from Wat Tyler Park to be used in case of an emergency, and for the roadworks to start later on November 5 to avoid clashing with a fireworks event at Waterside Farm, on Canvey.

Yesterday, she said: “I spoke to the manager of the planned works, and he confirmed that there will indeed be full road closures after the evening rush hour on the October 27 until before the morning rush hour on the October 30. This when the old expansion joint will be removed and the new one put in place.

“I raised a number of points on behalf of residents at the meeting. Essex Highways have agreed with my request to delay the closure of Canvey Way from 9pm as originally planned, to 10pm on November 5 to prevent the road closure from clashing with the end of the public firework display at Waterside Farm.

“Essex Highways have also not given permits for any planned utility works or other roadworks in Benfleet during the closures to better ensure the free flow of traffic on and off the island via Ferry Road.

“They have also assured me they will also be using the time the bridge is closed to do any other maintenance work planned for the bridge, including pothole repair and streetlamp replacements, to avoid future closures of the bridge.

The work is set to take place in three phases.

The closures are is part of “significant” repair works to replace a “movement joint” that has exceeded its service life after being installed back in 1973.

Phase one will see Canvey Way close overnight from 9pm and 5am between October 23 and 26. Phase two will see a full weekend closure from 9pm on Friday, October 27 to 5am on Monday, October 30. The works will then finalise with phase three which will see an overnight closure on November 5.

Ms Harris added: “Finally, in the event of an emergency I have requested of Essex County Council that arrangements be made for emergency vehicles to use ash track from nearby Wat Tyler Park to access the island.”