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Residents of the Essex town of Witham have been dealing with a unique situation for the past decade. A set of temporary traffic lights was installed on Woodend Bridge without any progress on upgrading the bridge itself. Despite half a million pounds being spent on traffic management, the infamous roadworks have become a defining feature of the town.
For commuters, business owners, and residents alike, the daily queue to cross Woodend Bridge has become a routine since 2015. Situated over the A12, Witham’s busiest route, the bridge leads to the London-bound carriageway south of the town. What was once an insignificant location on the map has now become Witham’s most famous attraction, according to a satirical ranking on TripAdvisor.
The impact of these long-running roadworks extends beyond inconvenience. Tina Townsend, who runs the Witham Hub community center, expresses embarrassment over Witham holding the title of hosting the UK’s longest-standing roadworks. With roads in the area becoming a source of frustration, residents like Tina hope that the town’s reputation will not be solely defined by these endless roadworks.
Local driving instructor Steve Thomas has seen firsthand the effects of the traffic lights on his students’ lessons. He describes the roadworks as a “pure waste of money” that has led to significant delays and inconvenience for both commuters and locals. Despite the long wait for completion, National Highways believes that the complex work on the bridge will commence by the end of 2025 at a cost of £1.6 million.
As the town anticipates the eventual completion of the roadworks, there is a mix of frustration and hope among residents. While some look forward to driving freely over the bridge, others have grown accustomed to the quirks and routines associated with this decade-long construction project. With the promise of relief on the horizon, the legacy of the Woodend Bridge roadworks will linger in the memories of those who endured its daily frustrations
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