ROADWORKS have been pushed back after fears Castle Point would descend into traffic chaos with multiple road closures taking place at the same time. 

A section of London Road between Tarpots and Sadlers Farm roundabout will be closed for 14 weeks as Essex and Suffolk Water carries out works to prevent water pipes bursting, which have plagued the stretch of road in recent years. 

However, work was due to start today but major concerns were raised it would clash with Cadent Gas’ 17-day closure of Essex Way which began last week. 

After Andrew Sheldon, Essex County councillor representing south Benfleet, raised major concerns the clash would lead to gridlock across Castle Point Essex and Suffolk Water agreed to push back the start date until Friday. 

Mr Sheldon previously said residents’ concerns had been “run over roughshod” and “treated as an annoyance” by the firm.

However, Mr Sheldon has warned the works will continue to crossover and have an impact on residents.

He said: “The first days of work are very disruptive, so next weekend is likely to be the worst part. But it’s better than starting when everyone’s going back to work on Monday.”

“Residents will need to expect delays to their travel, so please allow extra time for your journeys.”

The Cadent Gas works, which began on March 29 and should be completed by April 15, are part of a £3.3million gasworks project to ensure “reliable gas supply” to homes and businesses. 

Mr Sheldon says he is “very grateful” that the start of the works has been moved.

He added: “I’m very grateful they’ve been amenable to moving it.”

However, Mr Sheldon remains “disappointed” by the firm’s “level of coordination”.

He added: “I’ll chalk it up to a breakdown in communication, but I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen again.”

A spokesman for Essex and Suffolk Water said: “We are currently working towards a start date of April 12 for this work, following a notification today from Essex Highways of a change of dates.

“We understand the impact this work will have for those who use the busy network, and are sorry for the disruption this will cause in the short term, but hope customers will see the longer-term benefits it will bring. We have worked closely with Essex Highways on the planning of this project, and will be working within the permits issued and timings agreed.

“Our team have thought creatively and included innovative techniques to minimise the impact of our network on this area and the work to protect the roads, including in both our past renewal work and this new phase of the project.”