Victoria Gateway enters the final phase!
The final phase of the Victoria Gateway project will swing into place this weekend when ‘smart’ traffic signals are installed at the new junction.
The temporary mini-roundabout which has been used to direct traffic for the past few months will be removed on Sunday 27th February to be replaced by a signal-controlled T-junction.
The new lights will come into operation immediately and programming work will continue over the next few weeks until they are able to function at their full ‘smart’ capacity.
Once the new signals have been installed contractors will be able to start putting the finishing touches to the paving and landscaping works around the new junction. Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Corporate Director for Enterprise, Tourism & the Environment, Andy Lewis, said: “This is the most significant phase of the Victoria Gateway project. “The new lights will enable the new T-junction to operate in a highly effective way while work to finish paving and landscaping the new Gateway Square continues.
“There will inevitably be some disruption while the new signals are bedded in but we will do everything in our power to minimise the inconvenience to motorists and pedestrians.
“In addition to the installation of the new lights the first of the new bus shelters serving London Road will also come into use on Sunday.
“The junction is really starting to take shape now and people will soon be able to see what it is going to look like from ground level.
“When the project is finished people arriving at Southend Victoria railway station will be greeted by a much more pedestrian-friendly environment.
“It will be so much easier for them to get from the station to the High Street across a very attractively landscaped square.”
In order to fully programme the new lights and complete paving and landscaping works a series of overnight road closures will take place from Saturday 5th March to Saturday 12th March.
The Victoria Gateway junction will close completely between the hours of 7pm and 7am and signed diversion routes will be in place.
