Confirmed: Works on Bakers Lane in Braintree aren't finished

The road closures in Black Notley of Bakers Lane, Church Road and Buck Hill caused serious congestion in Braintree while a four-mile diversion was in place from Witham Road to London Road via Godlings Way since the beginning of July.

UK Power Networks (UKPN) have been performing the essential works to lay new cables below ground to replace the overhead cables on Bakers Lane, which are “burning and melting” from strain and local power demand, said project manager Adrian Degville.

Last month, UKPN requested an extension of their work permit to November 17, which was denied.

Last weekend, road closure signs were taken down at about 6pm on November 3 to reopen the roads to through traffic, avoiding fines for further delays.

Unfinished - Highways bosses are in talks with UKPN for the next stage of works on Bakers Lane (Image: Newsquest) Residents were delighted, with many taking to Facebook to share their joy after weeks of unclear communications.

But now, Essex Highways and UKPN have confirmed the next stage of work has yet to be completed.

A spokesman for Essex Highways said: “Works were originally scheduled to end on October 25, however, we understand health and safety concerns had contributed to them overrunning.

“An extension to November 17 was brought back to November 3 so works could be completed during the school holidays when traffic was lighter.

“UKPN has been unable to complete the works in this time and will need to replan them for a future date with sufficient traffic management in place.

“We will continue to liaise with UKPN as this process is undertaken.”

Works - It's not yet clear the impact the next stage of works will have on local traffic (Image: Newsquest) A spokesman for UKPN said: “Our work in Church Road finished on November 3 as planned, in time for the Remembrance Sunday parade and service at the war memorial on November 10.

“We are consulting with Essex Highways Authority to plan the next stage of the works, installation of ducts and cables in The Street and Witham Road.

“All roads are currently open until the next phase goes ahead.”

They continued: “Our works were always to planned to end October 25 in Bakers Lane, and it was then reopened.

“Church Road remained closed because we were working there until November 3.

“We have attended a number of Black Notley parish council meetings over the past 18 months to keep them up to date, plus written to all residents affected by the work.

“Residents will be informed before further work takes place.”