Emergency repair works close Stifford Hill
Motorists heading to Thurrock Garden Centre and residents travelling through North Stifford are being advised to follow alternative routes after an emergency road closure was put in place on Stifford Hill. The closure starts at The Dog & Partridge public house and is in force for emergency repairs to apparatus, with measures due to remain until 3.30pm on Monday 20 July.
The garden centre, located on South Street, issued a customer alert outlining the access changes and urging drivers to allow additional time and follow signed diversions. The business remains accessible via the diversion network and the A1306 Arterial Road.
“The hill out of North Stifford is closed from The Dog & Partridge Pub. Please use the Arterial Road, A1306, as an alternative route to access the garden centre.”
Diversion routes and access
A formal diversion is in place to guide through-traffic and visitors, routing vehicles around the closure and back towards South Street and the garden centre. According to the centre’s notice, the diversion runs via:
- Pilgrims Lane
- Arterial Road (A1306) North Stifford
- Treacle Mine Roundabout
- A1012
Drivers are being asked to follow on-site signage and use the A1306 where possible to reduce pressure on local residential streets. The closure point at The Dog & Partridge restricts the uphill route out of North Stifford, so approaching from the A1306 and the wider arterial network should provide the most reliable access while works continue.
What motorists need to know
| Measure | Detail |
|---|---|
| Affected road | Stifford Hill (from The Dog & Partridge) |
| Reason | Emergency repairs to apparatus |
| In place until | 3.30pm, Monday 20 July |
| Primary alternative | A1306 Arterial Road |
| Signed diversion | Pilgrims Lane → A1306 → Treacle Mine Roundabout → A1012 |
While the works are active, journey times may increase on nearby routes, particularly along the diversion corridor at peak periods. Visitors to the garden centre are encouraged to set out earlier than usual, check for any additional local signage, and follow the published detour to minimise delays and avoid U-turns near the closure.
Local access and business continuity
The garden centre remains open and is reminding customers that all facilities — including its plant and garden furniture ranges and cafe — continue to operate. Approaching from the A1306 and following the diversion is currently the most consistent option for reaching South Street while emergency repairs are completed.
Residents in North Stifford should expect a temporary change in traffic patterns while through-traffic is redirected. Those living close to Pilgrims Lane, the A1306, the Treacle Mine Roundabout and the A1012 may observe higher volumes at certain times of the day until the scheduled reopening on 20 July.
Next steps
Further updates are expected as the works progress. Drivers are advised to keep an eye on local travel reports and observe any amendments to traffic management on approach to the closure.
