I popped in yesterday to the Highways Agency’s exhibition about major roadworks about to start at Bell Common tunnel. Drivers who travelled through the Holmesdale Tunnel near Enfield a couple of years ago will be familiar with the sort of work that is planned: upgrading the ventilation system and replacing electrics and emergency equipment.
Unlike at Holmesdale, the Agency has committed to keeping three lanes of traffic open in each direction during the day. As an average of 120,000 drivers travel through the tunnel every 24 hours this is pretty important if massive delays are to be avoided. The estimated completion date is March 2011 and the agency reckons that delays at peak times should be no more than 15 minutes. We will see. As a local councillor the main concerns I had were about the amount of traffic which might be tempted to divert from the M25 onto local roads if the delays are lengthy, the visual impact of the new ventilation units when the scheme is complete and the effect on local residents (noise, air pollution etc.) during construction. The answers were broadly re-assuring – an environmental assessment has been carried out, the contractors have liaised with Epping Forest District Council’s environmental health officers and there will be new planting when the works are complete – but I’ll be checking a couple of things with council officers.
You can find more information at the Highways Agency project page here. I’ve also found a presentation [PDF] explaining details of the work. Costain (the contractor) has set up a 24-hour community helpline for anyone with queries or concern:
08456 037985