Why it matters: The reopening comes on schedule despite delays to other elements of the infrastructure project, bringing relief to drivers who have faced diversions and disruption for nearly four months.
The details: The housebuilder has completed the majority of works on the road as part of its Westerfield Grove development, including:
Two new access points to the development
Sewer installation
New pedestrian and cycle crossing points
The works began on 26 August with an initial three-week partial closure, followed by an eight-week full closure from 16 September to 11 November, and a further five-week partial closure with temporary traffic lights until tonight.
What they're saying: Steven Saville, Technical Director at Bellway Essex, said: "These planned road closures have allowed us to carry out major infrastructure improvements which are part of our obligations under the planning agreement for the Westerfield Grove development and will deliver long-term benefits for the area."
"Throughout this period, we have made every effort to minimise disruption and done everything in our power to complete the works on time," he added.
The catch: A further partial closure of around two weeks will be required early next year to connect new street lighting and traffic signals to the power supply. Bellway said delays to the legal agreement with the energy provider prevented this work from being completed within the planned timeframe.
Saville said: "Unfortunately, due to a third-party land issue beyond our control, it has not been possible to connect the street lighting and traffic signals to the power supply within the originally proposed timeframe."
"I would like to apologise to the local community for this unfortunate delay and to thank everyone whose journeys have been affected by the road closures for their patience over the last few months," he added.
For context: Bellway originally proposed a 24-week full closure for the works, but following feedback from residents and businesses, the company slashed this to 17 weeks. It then reduced the full closure period further to just eight weeks by relocating the sewer off the public highway and re-sequencing the work schedule.
What's next: Bellway is working to finalise the legal agreement with the energy provider and will update the local community when a timeframe for the outstanding work has been confirmed.
The bottom line: After months of disruption, Westerfield Road will fully reopen tonight as planned, though a brief return to partial closure early next year will be needed to complete the final elements of the infrastructure project.
