Chelmsford Road Closures This Week: Patching Hall Lane, Tavistock Road and Great Waltham Affected

Motorists travelling around Chelmsford during October half term are being advised to plan ahead as several temporary road closures are scheduled to begin this week.

Essex County Council has published traffic orders covering roads in Chelmsford and Great Waltham, with work scheduled between Monday 26 October and Saturday 31 October 2026.

The closures are required to allow utility companies to carry out cabling, electricity connection and telecommunications maintenance work safely.

Three roads are included in the latest confirmed schedule, with signed alternative routes available.

South Street and Breeds Road, Great Waltham – From 26 October

A section of South Street and Breeds Road in Great Waltham is scheduled to close from Monday 26 October for three days.

The restriction covers approximately 780 metres from the junction with Cherry Gardens Road, following the road in a south-westerly, north-westerly and then south-westerly direction.

The closure is required for cabling work being undertaken by Openreach.

Planned dates: 26–28 October 2026.

The published diversion uses Breeds Road, Margaret Woods Road, Hoe Lane, Larks Lane, Chelmsford Road, The Village and South Street, with the route operating in both directions.

Drivers travelling through Great Waltham should allow extra time and follow the temporary diversion signs.

Patching Hall Lane, Chelmsford – From 28 October

A section of Patching Hall Lane is scheduled to close from Wednesday 28 October for four days.

The restriction applies to approximately 20 metres of road, beginning around 10 metres south-west of its junction with Longleat Close.

UK Power Networks will be carrying out work to install a new electricity connection.

Planned dates: 28–31 October 2026.

The published alternative route uses Patching Hall Lane, the B1008 and School Lane before returning to Patching Hall Lane.

The closure could affect local journeys around the Patching Hall Lane area, although the exact level of disruption will depend on traffic conditions and the progress of the work.

Tavistock Road, Chelmsford – From 28 October

A short section of Tavistock Road is also scheduled to close from Wednesday 28 October for two days.

The closure covers approximately 20 metres, starting around 30 metres south-east of the junction with Bodmin Road.

Openreach will be replacing a telecommunications pole.

Planned dates: 28–29 October 2026.

The signed diversion is scheduled to use Tavistock Road, Taunton Road, Falmouth Road, Helston Road and Bodmin Road.

Local residents and motorists are advised to follow the temporary signage while the work is taking place.

Why Are the Roads Being Closed?

The restrictions have been introduced under temporary traffic regulation orders issued by Essex County Council.

The orders allow sections of road to be closed while contractors undertake work that could otherwise present a risk to motorists, pedestrians or the workforce.

The published notices state that the scheduled dates may change depending on the relevant work permits and site conditions.

Although the legal orders may remain in force for longer, this does not mean the roads will be closed continuously throughout that period.

How to Check the Latest Chelmsford Road Closures

Residents planning journeys during half term can check current and upcoming works using Essex Highways' online roadworks map.

The map includes planned closures, diversions and utility works and can be filtered by date.

Check the latest information: Essex Highways – Future and Current Roadworks Map

Motorists should also follow temporary signs on the roads, as schedules and diversion arrangements may be updated.

Chelmsford City Hub will continue to monitor upcoming road closures and provide further updates for motorists across the district.

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