ROADS bosses say they will be out fixing potholes while the streets are quiet to ensure emergency services and delivery drivers can get where they need to go.

Essex Highways are adjusting their scheduled activities and their ways of working in order to ensure the public, and their employees, stay safe amidst the coronavirus outbreak.

While most repair work will continue for as long as it is possible, the planned programme of more extensive improvements - such as the Ipswich Road site in Colchester - is being reviewed in light of the unprecedented situation the country is in.

The roadworks are continuing at the moment with necessary precautions in place.

Chelmsford Weekly News:

Essex County Council’s deputy leader and infrastructure chief Kevin Bentley (Con) said the pandemic would almost certainly end up impacting their resources.

“It is vital that, during these extraordinary times we do everything we can to continue supporting our emergency services colleagues and critical key workers who need to use our county’s roads in order to carry out their important work,” he said.

“However, we must ensure we are doing so in ways which are safe for our employees and members of the public, and that also consider the likely impact of the current situation on availability of workers, materials and equipment going forward.

“This is an extremely fast-moving situation which we are constantly reviewing.

“We continue to adhere to advice from the Government and adjust our work accordingly.

“This includes the need to maintain appropriate social distancing within our workforce.

“I am so proud of all of our Essex Highways employees and the dedication they have and continue to show at such an uncertain time.”

Essex Highways is working with utility companies and developers to see if any changes need to be made and plan to react to any future Government announcements accordingly.

Defects can still be reported at essexhighways.org but residents are urged not to phone unless there is an urgent road safety issue as call centres are overwhelmed.