New completion date for A12 roadworks in Essex
A major maintenance project on a section of the A12 near Brentwood is now expected to be completed by the end of July.
The project, between junctions 11 and 12 of the A12, involves resurfacing the road, renewing road signs, repairing drainage and upgrading safety barriers. Work on the project started in December and was originally scheduled to finish at the end of March.
It is one of two similar improvement schemes currently underway on the A12 between Essex and Ipswich. In all, 10 miles of the A12 are being upgraded. The Suffolk scheme, at junctions 31-33 of the A12 between East Bergholt and Ipswich is on track to finish at the end of May.
Highways England project manager Anna Graham, said:
The work has been more complex than we originally anticipated and with the overnight time constraints this has slowed down how quickly we can complete the work. I realise that this delay will be unwelcome news for drivers, but I’d ask them to bear with us while we complete this important work. By taking the extra time now and completing the job to a high standard, we can reduce the likelihood of future repairs.
Most of the work is being carried out at night using a contraflow, so the road can remain open to traffic. The contraflow is removed during the day, so two lanes can operate in both directions.
Alternative methods for completing the work have been assessed, and the current working method still offers the least overall disruption. Other options – included closing the road overnight for the remainder of the works to complete the project more quickly but this would have led to more disruption overall.
The work is dependent on suitable weather conditions, and dates may be subject to further change.
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