Tour De France: Essex Travel News

The Tour de France is a large event with an estimated 200 riders, 2000 vehicles and 5,000 people involved in putting on the world's biggest cycling race.

It arrives in Essex (stage 3 of the race) on Monday July 7th and there will be a number of road closures for up to eight hours.

The route of stage 3 of the Tour de France 2014 can be seen here. The advice from Essex County Council is as follows:

  • The route in Uttlesford and Braintree will close at 7.30am and open at 4pm.
  • The route in Chelmsford will close at 8.00am and open at 5pm
  • Epping DC north of the A414 will close 8am and open at 5pm.
  • Epping DC south of the A414 and including the A414 will close 9am and open at 5pm.

Roads which lead directly to the route will be 'access only' from the junction closest to the route.

During these times no vehicles will be allowed onto roads which comprise the route of the race.

If you are directly on the route and need to travel, or accept deliveries, visitors and so on, you will not be able to do this within the times given. We suggest you look at contingencies. For example, in many cases it may be possible to park off the route then walk to your vehicle on the day to travel away from the route. Businesses should look at rearranging their operations in accordance with vehicle restrictions on the day.

If you live or are based just off the route then there are two potential scenarios;

  • If your road leads directly to the route and there is no access apart from via the route then your road is effectively landlocked on the day.
  • If your road leads directly to the route but you can access or exit your road without entering the route then you will be able to travel on the day. Roads leading directly to the route will be ‘access only.’ That is to say you can travel down these roads if you need to access a building or location on this road but will not be able to continue onto the route or travel on the route..

Travel across the route will only be possible via the A120 as at this point the route crosses the A120 via a bridge. There are no other locations at which the closed route can be crossed on the day.

Please note the A120, A12 and, in particular the M11 are likely to be extremely busy on the day and if you are planning to travel via these routes you should allow additional time.

Why are the road closures so extensive when there are only rolling road closures for this event on the continent?

These decisions have been made at the request of the race organisers on the basis of safety and security and the difference between English and French roads and traffic regulation systems. There is a considerable amount of race infrastructure to be installed which cannot safely be done in live traffic. We are working to minimise the amount of disruption these closures will cause and will be working to ensure that the roads are reopened at the earliest opportunity and as soon as it is safe to do so.

I run a business on the route. What do I need to know?

The route is closed and timings and further information will be available from District, Borough and City councils.

TRAVEL

Can I travel on the M11/A120/A12 on the day? What are conditions likely to be like?

All major routes including the M11/A120/A12 will be open but very busy.

I live on the route. How will I travel on the day?

During the closure you will not have vehicle access to your home or premises.  We strongly advise you to consider making alternative arrangements if you need to travel on the day. If you live just off the route you should not be affected. However there may be some areas where the only access out of the area in any direction is via the closed roads, in this case the advice above will also apply.

How do I travel to work?

If your route is closed you need to make alternative arrangements for the day.

If I plan to travel by train on the day do I need to book a ticket in advance?

We would strongly advise this. Not only will it guarantee your place it will be a useful tool to alert train companies to numbers who wish to travel so they can consider putting on extra services.

Will public transport be available during the day to watch the race?

Check with your bus provider as some services will be affected on the day.

What are the closest rail stations to the route?

Volunteers will be situated at transport hubs helping to direct spectators to the route. The stations closest to the route are as follows:

  • Uttlesford: Great Chesterford station – 20 minute walk to the race
  • Braintree: Braintree station – 40 minute walk to race down ancient cycleway
  • Chelmsford: Chelmsford station – 20 minute walk to the race

What are the closest underground stations to the route?

Travelling from Epping Forest station the following central line tube stations are close to the Tour de France route: