New footbridge at Kent Elms open

August 4, 2019 by Leigh-on-sea.com

The footbridge at Kent Elms is now open.

The opening of footbridge is the final part of the Kent Elms junction upgrade, which improves traffic flow and better connects communities north and south of the A127. The footbridge provides pedestrians an alternative to using the surface crossing.

Since the footbridge was erected, the contractor has been installing the handrails, finishing the paintwork, grouting the trestles, installing bike rails and installing ducts and drainage pipes. The contractor has declared the footbridge safe to use but there are minor items, known as snagging, to tidy up. They will be working on the footbridge intermittently until the snagging has been completed. 

In the autumn new trees will be planted in the grass area on Broomfield Avenue and plants within the new flower beds in front of the library.

Cllr Ron Woodley, cabinet member for transport, capital and inward investment, said: “Residents have been eagerly looking forward to using the footbridge and I’m pleased to see it open to the public.

“Although the Kent Elms project has taken longer than anyone would have wished, the improved safety for people crossing the junction in all directions to access the local schools, shops, health centre and library is welcomed by local residents.”