Rayleigh Solar Farm development
Proposed access location on A127
About the scheme
Aura Power is currently constructing the Rayleigh Solar Farm adjacent to the A127 in Rayleigh. In line with their approved planning application (Local Planning Authority reference: 22/00175/FUL), granted by Rochford District Council, highway works will be undertaken as part of the development.
To support safe and efficient access to the site, roadworks will be carried out on the eastbound carriageway of the A127 (Southend Arterial Road). These works are essential to create a dedicated entrance that meets safety standards for both construction traffic and other road users.
A new junction will be constructed to allow construction and associated vehicles to turn left in and left out of the site. The entrance will be positioned at a right angle to the road, with dedicated turning areas and clear sightlines to ensure visibility and safety for all road users.
To further enhance safety, the existing footpath will be diverted to connect securely with the new access point, and a pedestrian crossing will be installed at the junction. In addition, utility diversions will be undertaken—this involves lowering existing services such as cables and pipes to a safe depth before construction begins.
Where possible these works will be co-ordinated in collaboration with other planned Essex Highway activities on the route to maximise use of the traffic restrictions in place. This will reduce the likelihood of works being required to take place separately, minimising inconvenience to road users.
How it will affect you
Works are due to begin from 5 January 2026 and are anticipated to continue through to summer 2026.
To minimise disruption and deliver the works safely, the highway works will take place overnight between the hours of from 9pm to 5am, Monday to Friday.
During this time one lane of the A127, dual carriageway will be closed for 1km between the Fairglen Interchange and Rayleigh Weir, with traffic management will be in place on the remaining open lane.
Outside of these hours we anticipate that no temporary restrictions on the carriageway.
A 40mph speed limit be in place with appropriate road signage during the overnight lane restrictions.
Please be advised there will be periods of unavoidable noise associated with the works, however the developer intends to keep this as low as reasonably practicable.
Further information
The developer is responsible for ensuring local residents and businesses are informed of key information and changes to the programme if the need arises.
We plan to keep residents and businesses informed of any updates we receive on this project by posting updates on this webpage as the need arises.
Please be aware that dates may be subject to change if the works are affected by poor weather or if unexpected issues arise.
Updates will also be available via: One.Network and the @essexhighways X (Twitter) and Facebook feeds.
Contact information
If you have any questions or comments about the works, please use the contact details below so the matter can be dealt with promptly.
For enquiries regarding the solar farm please contact:
- Aura Power at rayleighsolarfarm@aurapower.com or call 0117 214 1971
For enquiries regarding the highway works, please contact:
- Breheny Civil Engineering on 01449 720 282