It isn't long now until the world's eyes will turn to Essex as top cyclists race through the city's streets battling for victory in the Tour de France.
However the scale of the event on Monday July 7 is not without it's difficulties and residents are urged to plan ahead to ensure they're aware of road closures, and the timings of the route.
Roads in Chelmsford to be closed from 8am to 5pm:
B1417 > B1008 > Main Road > South Street > Breeds Road > Woodhall Road > Chignal Road > Roxwell Road > A1060 > Vicarage Road > The Street > Skreens Park Road > Elms Road > Shellow Road
Roads in Braintree will close from 7.30am to 4pm:
B1053 > unnamed road towards Shalford Green > Duckend Green > Shalford Road > Gore Road > New Road > School Road > A120.
Roads in other parts of Essex will also be closed during the following times:
Epping Forest: 8am to 5pm
Epping Forest A414 area: 9am to 5pm
This length of time is needed to allow the route to be prepared, infrastructure to be put in place and removed afterwards, the Tour's publicity 'caravan' of vehicles to travel through the stage, the race itself and the safe dispersal of spectators.
The route will need to be clear of all public vehicles prior to the road closure time, with pedestrian access available while the roads are closed through stewarded crossing points with access only for emergency vehicles.
Motorways
Drivers should be aware junctions 7 to 13 on the M11 are expected to be busy and delays are likely.
Planned closures - Junction 9a of the M11 northbound, both slip roads. Drivers will be directed onto the M11 southbound and exit at junction 8, but motorists should be aware that from junctions 10 to 13 congestion is likely due to local road closures and event traffic.
A11 Stumps Cross southbound, both slip roads. Non-motorway traffic will be directed to use the A1307.
Car parks on the day
There will be two designated Tour de France car parks in Chelmsford which will offer all-day parking for £5 per car.
The High Chelmer Car Park is offering this promotional day rate, and there is also a dedicated car park at Melbourne Park, a few hundred metres from the Tour's Chignal Road passing point.
A car park is also being provided for the Tour de France in Roxwell by the Parish Council for £5 per car and will be on the Recreation Ground on Stonehill Road, accessible from the South of Roxwell.
It should be noted that there is no additional car parking provided in Howe Street, Great Waltham, Chignal or Writtle and these locations could become congested, so people are advised to consider walking or cycling where possible.
Bus disruption from start of service to 5pm
42, 42A and 542 Galleywood to Stansted Airport
42 journeys which would normally terminate at Warners Farm will terminate at Little Waltham (Ash Tree Corner), turn at roundabout Essex Regiment Way and A131 Junction. Take stand time in lay-by Ash Tree Corner.
42A and 542 will operate via A131 and Great Leighs bypass and A120 to Dunmow - Due to the closure of the A130, Great Waltham, Ford End and Barnston will not be served. 4
6 & 46A Chelmsford to Ongar
This service will operate as normal between Oaklands Park and Chelmsford Bus Station, then via Waterhouse Lane, Westway and A414 to Ongar Four Wantz roundabout, and as normal route to Ongar Two Brewers.
Roxwell, Willingale and Fyfield will not be served.
51 Galleywood to Chignall Estate
This service will only operate between Galleywood and Chelmsford Bus Station.
The section between Chelmsford and Chignall Estate will not be able to be served due to closure of Chignall Road.
54 Beaulieu Park to North Melbourne
Will operate as normal route as far as Queensland Crescent, then divert via Melbourne Avenue, St Nazaire Road, Oliver Way, Copperfield Road to Nickleby Road.
X30 Southend to Stansted Airport
This service will operate via A131 and Great Leighs bypass and then onto the A120 to Stansted Airport. From 0700 Ex Chelmsford, and 0700 Ex Stansted. Due to the closure of the A130, Ford End and Barnston will not be served.
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