Essex County Council has confirmed a series of temporary traffic orders across the City of Chelmsford district in July 2026. According to public notices published on the Public Notice Portal and in the Essex Chronicle, roads in Writtle, South Woodham Ferrers, Great Leighs, Chelmsford, Runwell, Great Baddow, Great Waltham, Roxwell, and Chignall St James will be subject to closures for events and utility works.
Key Closures
Writtle – Cow Watering Lane (Discovery Triathlon): July 5, 2026, 9am to 4pm. Closure from approximately 443m west of Lordship Road to around 730m northeast of Victoria Road. Diversion via Cow Watering Lane, Lordship Road, Ongar Road, and Victoria Road. Emergency vehicle and pedestrian access maintained. Order may remain in force for up to three days under special event powers.
South Woodham Ferrers – Anchor Reach: From July 29, 2026 for seven days (Openreach Limited). Closure approximately 40m southwest of Quarter Gate for about 25m, turning southwesterly then southeasterly. No diversion available. Order takes effect July 9, 2026 and may run up to 18 months or until works finish.
Great Leighs – Boreham Road: July 31, 2026 for one day (UK Power Networks). Closure approximately 330m northwest then northeast of Fullers Street for about 60m. Diversion via Boreham Road, Drakes Lane, Domsey Lane, Wheelers Hill, and the A131. Order takes effect July 9, 2026 and may run up to 18 months.
Chelmsford – Hill Road: From July 27, 2026 for 15 days (Cadent Gas Limited). Closure from Springfield Park Road for about 50m southwest. Diversion via Hill Road, Byron Road, and Springfield Park Road. Order takes effect July 9, 2026 and may run up to 18 months.
Runwell – Runwell Road: From July 27, 2026 for five days (Essex and Suffolk Water). Closure approximately 275m southeast then southwest of St Lukes Way for about 75m. No alternative route available. Order takes effect July 9, 2026 and may run up to 18 months.
Great Baddow – Gilmore Way: From July 13, 2026 for 18 days (Openreach Limited). Closure from Harrow Way for about 20m northwest. Diversion via Gilmore Way, Baddow Hall Crescent, the A1060, and Molrams Lane. Order came into effect June 25, 2026 and may run up to 18 months.
Great Waltham – Old Shaws Lane: From July 14, 2026 for two days (Openreach Limited). Closure approximately 350m southeast of Mabbs Farm Lane for about 70m. Diversion via Old Shaws Lane and Littley Green Road. Order came into effect June 25, 2026 and may run up to 18 months.
Roxwell – Skreens Park Road: From July 13, 2026 for five days (Essex County Council). Closure from Boyton Cross Lane for approximately 2,580m west then southwest. Diversion via Boyton Cross Lane, the A1060, B184, Queen Street, Willingale Road, Fyfield Road, The Street, Beech Road, and Shellow Road. Order came into effect June 25, 2026 and may run up to 18 months.
Chignall St James – The Green: From July 13, 2026 for five days (UK Power Networks). Closure approximately 20m southwest of Mashbury Road for around 10m. No diversion available. Order came into effect June 25, 2026 and may run up to 18 months.
How Will This Affect Journey Times?
Drivers should allow extra time and follow signed diversions where provided, particularly around Chelmsford, Writtle, and South Woodham Ferrers during peak hours.
Will Access Be Maintained?
For the Discovery Triathlon on Cow Watering Lane, emergency vehicle and pedestrian access will be maintained. Other schemes will operate as signed on site.
Are Diversion Routes in Place?
Diversions are provided for most closures, but none are available for Anchor Reach, Runwell Road, and The Green where short local closures apply.
Can Dates Change?
Yes. The notices state dates may vary, with on-site signs and updates displayed on one.network.
How Long Can the Legal Orders Last?
Where stated, traffic regulation orders take legal effect on July 9, 2026 and may remain in force for up to 18 months, or until works are completed sooner.
Which Utilities Are Involved?
Works are scheduled by Openreach Limited, UK Power Networks, Cadent Gas Limited, Essex and Suffolk Water, and Essex County Council.
Those who have any concerns or believe they may be adversely impacted are encouraged to review the full public notice and contact the works promoter or Essex County Council highways quoting the relevant permit reference.
This report is based on the Public Notice Portal listing dated July 2, 2026 and the print notice in the Essex Chronicle. Readers can view the original notice for full legal wording and map references.
