Most road works are carried out by utility companies; including gas, electricity, water, telephone, and cable services.
These companies are known as statutory undertakers authorised by Parliament to carry out works in the street as necessary. This means that we are normally unable to prevent them from continuing noisy works.
In addition, for reasons of safety and/or traffic congestion, the police and our own traffic management team require works to be done at nights or weekends. This takes precedence over our own aim of reducing noise nuisance.
We do, however, encourage all non-emergency work to be carried out during normal permitted hours for construction works where possible. These hours are from 08:00 to 18:00 on weekdays and 08:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays excluding Sundays and Bank Holidays.
If we find that there is no justification for working outside these hours, we will let you know and take the appropriate action.
Up to date information about current and future roadworks can be found on the Essex County Council website.