The Strood is a flooded road to Mersea Island in the UK
The Strood is the only road to Mersea Island, in the UK. It’s covered by the tide twice a day for one week during the month. It’s one of the periodically flooded roads around the world.
Where is Mersea Island?
Mersea Island (the most easterly inhabited island in the UK) is located in Essex, to the south-east of Colchester.
Can you drive to Mersea Island at high tide?
The road to Mersea Island is totally paved. Part of the B102, the road is called Mersea Road (aka Strood causeway). It’s the only road onto the island. Tucked away in the Blackwater and Colne estuaries, the tide covers the road twice a day for only one week during the month. Once the tide covers the Strood, the island really does once again become an island for about an hour and a half. The Strood is of Roman origin and the first piled causeway was built around 700 AD.
How long is the road to Mersea Island
Starting at Peldon, a village in the Colchester borough of Essex, the road is 4.82km (3.0 miles) long.
Does the road to Mersea Island get cut off?
If the tide is 4.9m or above it will more than likely cover the Strood. There have been a number of vehicles that try to cross the Strood once the tide comes in and then get stuck. Remember sea water is very bad for car engines so it’s better to sit and enjoy the view while you wait. Always check the tide timetables before you make your journey to Mersea.
Road suggested by: jorge manuel gómez sánchez
Pic&video: Just Harry Johnson