THE enormous crane which will lift a new £2 million rail bridge spanning Southend High Street has arrived in town.

The crane and segments of the new bridge are being stored in the Tylers Avenue car park ahead of the work, which is due to start on today.

Part of the pedestrianised High Street will close affecting four shops whose owners will be compensated for the disruption.

Shoppers however, should find they can get around town with a few detours.

Work will begin at midnight and the old bridge is set to be removed between 10am 11am on tomorrow. If all goes well the new bridge will be swung into place between 3pm and 4pm.

Tylers Avenue and Clifftown Road will close from midnight tonight, to 6am on Monday. The High Street,will also close between Whitegate Road to Tylers Avenue for the same period.

Signs and stewards will direct shoppers around the work via Tylers Avenue, Chichester Road and Warrior Square.

Rail company c2c will provide a replacement bus service to will ferry people between Shoebury and Southend Central as train services will be cancelled.