Over 62,000 drains cleared across Essex ahead of winter months

Highways crews work hard keeping roads and paths safe to reduce flooding.

A total of 62,036 drains have been cleared across Essex between 1 April and 29 August as highways crews prepare for the harsh winter weather.

Essex Highways routinely clears blocked drains to prevent flooding, which can pose significant risks to road users and pedestrians.

Extra funding from the £8 million Priority One programme has allowed Essex Highways to add two drain-clearing crews across the county this year, which will continue into next year.

Essex Highways will also be running four jetting units across the county to carry out works on a weekly basis over the coming months. These works will include:

• High-pressure washing
• Investigative works such as CCTV surveys
• Council member enquiries
• Emergency works

The additional works will ensure the safety of Essex’s roads as we approach harsher and wetter weather conditions.

Essex Highways encourages residents to report any blocked drains or flooding concerns using the online Tell Us tool.