Vital safety barrier works completed across Southend-on-Sea

May 11, 2021

Work to install new pedestrian and road safety barriers across the Borough has been completed, as part of a £440,000 investment from the council’s capital investment programme.

Replacement metal road safety barriers have been installed alongside some of the Borough’s busiest roads and replace the existing structures at several locations, including Queensway, Western Esplanade, Chichester Road, Prince Avenue, Leigh High Street, Priory Crescent and Wakering Road.

Along Prittlebrook cycleway and footpath, 120 metres of safety fencing has also been replaced and nine additional vehicle restriction barriers have been installed to stop vehicles driving onto the walkway. 

The works were funded as part of the council’s capital investment programme in order to address key health and safety issues raised by a safety review in 2020.

Cllr Ron Woodley, cabinet member for transport, capital and inward investment, said: “As a council, the health and safety of our residents and visitors is of upmost importance, which is why I am so pleased to see this essential work carried out across the Borough. 

“The new vehicle barriers and fencing along Prittlebrook cycleway and footway was a key issue addressed in the safety review. The replacement fencing prevents users from falling into the brook and possibly causing serious injuries.

“The vehicle restraint barriers provide extra protection in areas of the town’s road infrastructure which present potential hazards for drivers, so it was important that the previous barriers were replaced.”