The second phase of a scheme to replace the sea lock gates at Heybridge Basin in Maldon is due to begin next month.
Phase two of the replacement scheme, which is being carried out by Essex & Suffolk Water in partnership with Essex Waterways, will involve the installation and commission of a new steel sea lock gate, and replacement of the central upstream timber gate.
To allow this essential work to take place the lock will be closed to the public from Monday 2 October 2017, with preparatory work commencing in September 2017. A footpath diversion will be in place from 1 January to 31 March 2018. The lock is scheduled to be reopened to the public in March 2018.
Local residents are invited to attend a customer event at the Jolly Sailor pub in Heybridge Basin on Monday 21 August from 2pm to 7pm. This will give residents the opportunity to meet the project team, find out more about the project and ask any questions they have about the scheme.
Adrian Caswell, Project Manager for Essex & Suffolk Water said: “Following the completion of the first phase of work in winter 2016, we will be returning to carry out the second phase of this important project. The lock gates are an essential part of this waterway, so we have worked hard to plan a replacement scheme which will ensure that this route can be used and enjoyed for many years to come.
“We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused why we carry out this vital work, and we will be doing everything we can to keep any disruption to a minimum.”
David Smart, Navigation Manager for Essex Waterways said: “We are looking forward to the installation of the new Caisson gate this winter. It will be a big improvement for us, bringing 21st Century technology to Heybridge to work alongside the original manual gates dating from the late 1700s. I would like to say a big ‘thank you’ in advance to Essex & Suffolk Water and their contractors for all their hard work on this project.”
Once work commences there will be some days when vehicle access is restricted lock side on Lock Hill, but pedestrian access will be maintained at all times and access will be provided for emergency vehicles. It will be necessary to have some traffic management in place while work is taking place, and advance notice of any restrictions of access will be provided by the site team.
Further information and regular updates on the project will be available on the Essex & Suffolk Water community portal - www.eswcommunityportal.co.uk/Projects/heybridge. Customers can also register on the portal so they receive a notification when a new update is available.