Tarpots Corner Full Closure (25 July – 15 August)

Written By Chris Cowley

Cadent Gas is carrying out a major Mutli Million £ gas pipe upgrade project along the A13 London Road through the Tarpots Corner area in Benfleet.

This will create quite a few issues for our normal services, and we must make you aware that we regret that some prices to normal destinations in Benfleet will

be increased because of the diversions the drivers must take to avoid this location.

Purpose of the Works

Cadent Gas is replacing nearly 800 metres of aging metal gas mains running from the Sadlers Farm roundabout up to the Tarpots junction (Rushbottom Lane and High Road). The existing pipes are 80 to 100 years old and have suffered multiple leaks in recent years, leading to frequent emergency roadworks. The overall project runs from May 25 through August 30 (14 weeks).

Key Operational Phases & Current Closures

  • Phase 4a — Tarpots Corner Full Closure (25 July – 15 August):

    • A 24-hour full road closure is in effect on London Road (A13) across the main Tarpots Corner junction (spanning from 85 London Road to 127 London Road).

    • Crews are working 24/7 in shifts to finish this critical section as quickly as possible.

    • Rushbottom Lane and High Road remain open for north/southbound traffic, but all left and right turns onto London Road are blocked at the junction.

  • Phase 4b — Croft Road Closure (25 July – 30 August):

    • Croft Road is closed to through traffic with access strictly reserved for residents.

Traffic & Transport Impact

  • Diversion Routes:

    • Main Transit / HGVs: The official long-distance diversion runs via Sadlers Farm $\rightarrow$ A130 $\rightarrow$ A127 (Rayleigh Weir) $\rightarrow$ Rayleigh Road $\rightarrow$ Kiln Road back onto London Road.

    • Local Traffic: Drivers are being directed via High Road and Kents Hill Road.

  • Public Transport & Buses:

    • Major bus routes (including First Bus 21, 22, and 28) are on extensive diversions and bypassing the Tarpots Corner stops completely.

    • A dedicated shuttle bus service has been deployed by Cadent/First Bus to connect local residents around the closed section to the diverted bus routes.

Chris Cowley
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