Army & Navy flyover in Chelmsford remains closed - public urged to make other travel plans

Anyone who uses Chelmsford's Army and Navy roundabout is being encouraged to plan ahead and switch to different forms of transport, as the flyover is set to remain closed during the back-to-school period. A full report on the structure from engineers is expected in the coming weeks.

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Over the last two summers, extremely high temperatures have caused significant movement to several of the supporting columns. On both occasions, there was no alternative but to close the flyover as it would have been unsafe to leave it open.

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This week, a range of councillors and local residents' representatives met again to discuss the future of the Army and Navy flyover.

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The group are urgently seeing a long term solution to the Army and Navy but in the immediate term discussed a range of options which the travelling public are able to consider, including:

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All details are available online at: https://www.essexhighways.org/transport-and-roads/getting-around.aspx

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Cllr Kevin Bentley, Cabinet member for Infrastructure at Essex County Council, said: "We are encouraging road users to plan ahead and switch to alternatives like buses, bikes or simply walking to get to school or work - many of the journeys people make by car in Chelmsford are less than 3 miles.

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"We know that the whole of Chelmsford feels the effects when there are problems at the Army and Navy flyover, but we cannot put the safety of people at risk by allowing the structure to stay open while we consider our options. Engineers have spent the summer looking at the structure and considering ways that we can improve the junction.

"We are urgently working on a long-term answer to the issues related to the Army and Navy roundabout and we are committed to providing a solution that isn't simply a quick-fix or a sticking-plaster."

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Stephen Robinson, Leader of Chelmsford City Council, said: "The effects of climate change are far reaching, and they've now reached the Army and Navy flyover, which has been closed because of severe summer temperatures for two years running.
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"We can address climate change and congestion by changing our own behaviour and using more sustainable transport. Doing so just once a week will make a real difference.
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"By using Park and Ride or a local bus we can cut queues and carbon emissions. Cycling can do that too AND improve our health. That's got to be a better option that sitting in congestion."

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For more information about the scheme, and to keep up with short term updates please visit: www.Essex.gov.uk/armyandnavy or follow @EssexHighways or @Essex_Travel on Twitter.