A FOOTBRIDGE has finally opened over the Kent Elms junction...more than two months after it was installed.
The opening of footbridge is the final part of the Kent Elms junction upgrade, which Southend Council have been working on since the last footbridge was removed in November 2016.
The new bridge was installed in the middle of May, and was due to open at the end of that month, but faced several setbacks and delays.
The junction improvement work is due to help traffic flow and better connect communities north and south of the A127.
Since the footbridge was erected, the contractor has been installing the handrails, finishing the paintwork, grouting the trestles, installing bike rails and installing ducts and drainage pipes. The contractor has declared the footbridge safe to use but there are minor items, known as snagging, to tidy up.
They will be working on the footbridge intermittently until the snagging has been completed.
In the autumn new trees will be planted in the grass area on Broomfield Avenue and plants within the new flower beds in front of the library.
Ron Woodley, cabinet member for transport, capital and inward investment, said: "Residents have been eagerly looking forward to using the footbridge and I’m pleased to see it open to the public.
"Although the Kent Elms project has taken longer than anyone would have wished, the improved safety for people crossing the junction in all directions to access the local schools, shops, health centre and library is welcomed by local residents."
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