Brentwood High Street will close for six weeks from Monday (September 15) – although its shops, restaurants and other businesses will still be accessible for pedestrians.
The roadworks – carried out by Cadent Gas – will take place across most of the high street, from its junction with Kings Road to its junction with Ongar Road.
Cadent aim to replace metal gas pipes under the road with plastic pipes, expected to last more than 80 years, to help reduce the likelihood of unplanned repair works in the future.
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At the same time, Essex Highways will resurface areas of the high street, replacing the granite setts between Crown Street and St Thomas Road.
Drivers will still be able to use town centre car parks while the road is closed and are encouraged by Brentwood Connected Business Improvement District (BID) to continue supporting high street businesses.
Brentwood Connected BID manager Sarah Walmsley said: “Brentwood Connected has been in regular communication with Cadent throughout the process to ensure our businesses are kept informed and know what to expect.
“We’re working to raise awareness and ensure everyone knows businesses remain open, empowering our businesses to get the message out too.”
Extra signs have been installed in the area to remind visitors and residents that businesses are open as usual, while digital display boards are also being used.
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Diversions will also be in place for motorists.
Kaye Thurgood, chair of the Brentwood Business Partnership (BBP), the advisory board to Brentwood Connected, said they have been “working closely with businesses” to support them “as much as possible” for the duration of the works.
She added: “We would remind visitors that it’s absolutely business as usual for our retailers, hospitality and service providers in Brentwood, so please continue to eat, drink, shop and support local throughout this period.”
