Essex County Council has formed a partnership with cycling festival RideLondon, which announced its new routes will temporarily close numerous Essex roads, including Maldon High Street.

RideLondon was developed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson as a legacy event from the London 2012 Olympics and is set to return for its eighth edition.

Temporary road closures of up to 45-minute periods will operate in and around Braintree, Chelmsford, Colchester, and Maldon from 10.30am until 3pm on Friday 27 May to facilitate stage one of RideLondon Classique.

In addition to the temporary closures, the western side of Maldon's High Street will host the Finish Area of the event and will be closed from 4am until 8pm.

Temporary road closures will also take place on The Causeway, Maldon – along with routes from Tiptree to Heybridge, and Heybridge to Tolleshunt D'Arcy.

Extensive road closures are expected throughout the county from Friday 27 May until Sunday 29 May.

Kevin Nash, Route Director of RideLondon, said: "The new routes showcase some of Essex's most picturesque communities and rolling countryside.

"We expect more than 25,000 riders to participate on the day, raising millions for charity."

Photo: Essex County Council

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The festival has raised more than £80 million for charity since its first edition in 2013. It has also inspired 140,000 new or lapsed cyclists to take up cycling.

Mr Nash continued: "The footprint of the event is considerable, with 100 miles of road closures in London and Essex for the mass participation rides and further closures in central London for FreeCycle.

"We encourage everyone planning to travel in London and across Essex to plan ahead for the day."

RideLondon is organised by London Marathon Events. The partnership with Essex County Council means projects in Essex – which inspire activity – will become eligible for funding from The London Marathon Charitable Trust

During the seven years the event was held in Surrey, £5 million was granted by the Trust to organisations across the county.

In a statement, a representative for Essex County Council said: "This will be a fantastic event for participants, spectators, and the local community."

Full details of the funding available to Essex organisations and how to apply will be announced in May.

For more information on the road closures, visit the website.