RESIDENTS in Bulphan have been expressing concern about a planned closure of the A128 next month, which they fear could turn village roads into a rat run as traffic diverts to get through to and from the A127.

Work on the A128 is to be carried out by Essex County Council and is scheduled to take place from 9pm on Friday, 26 May to 5am on Tuesday, 30 May – taking in the Spring bank holiday.

Originally the county council wanted to carry out the work over the weekend of the King's coronation, but this was vetoed by Thurrock Council's network roads manager. Mark Mixture.

The A128 would be closed from the A127 to a point just north of Station Road, West Horndon meaning that traffic would still be able to travel up to Station Road and turn left into it. And use the main road through West Horndon as an alterbative way to link up with the A127.

However, it is feared drivers may decide to cut through Bulphan instead and access the A127 via Dunnings Lane.

To mitigate this Thurrock Council was proposing to close Church Road in Bulphan at the junction with the A128 which would prevent it being used as an unauthorised diversion. However, that idea has now been dropped and the council will put traffic mitigation measures in place.

It is also suggested it may be 'prudent' to close Doesgate Lane which would prevent drivers going east in an attempt to evade the diversion.

Mr Mixture says: "There would be variable message signs on the A128 at the junction of the A127 and at the Orsett Cock roundabout as well as a number of large A frame signs at various intervals along the length of the A128.

"There will also be signs in North Ockendon, at the junction of Dunnings Lane & Fen Lane, at the junction of Dunnings Lane & St Mary's Lane, and we would also utilise our own permanent variable message signs around the borough.

"This will all happen at least a week in advance of the closure and the Thurrock communication team will also post advanced notice on social media.

"During the closure the residents of Bulphan would be able to reach the A128 by travelling up Dunnings Lane, into St Mary's Lane and then they would be able to turn right onto the A128.

"I know this is not ideal but I believe it would be the best option for the residents as the road will require closing for Essex county Council to complete the work."

Orsett ward councillor Barry Johnson has asked Bulphan Community Forum to canvas the views of residents to relay them back to the councils concerned.