Sections of road around the A12 near Colchester are set to close for four months while urgent repairs are carried out – including to a bridge, which suffered “marked deterioration”.

East Anglian Daily Times: Roadworks will also be carried out as far as junction 28, near to Colchester United FC's stadium. Picture: GOOGLERoadworks will also be carried out as far as junction 28, near to Colchester United FC's stadium. Picture: GOOGLE (Image: Archant)

The roadworks will last from May 28 until the end of September in phases affecting junctions 27, near to the Spring Lane roundabout, up to junction 28, opposite Colchester United FC’s stadium.

Sue Lissimore, who represents Colchester’s Drury Division at Essex County Council, issued a “community message” advising people in Prettygate and Lexden of the bridge refurbishment, and subsequent road improvements.

The bulk of the work, lasting the full four months, will replace expansion joints on the bridge which carries the A12 over its junction 27, eastbound slip road.

“Users of this section of the A12 will have noticed the marked deterioration of the structure over winter,” Ms Lissimore said.

“Essential maintenance cannot be delayed any longer.”

During these works, the slip road will be reduced to one lane. For six weeks, from mid June there will also be overnight closures from 8pm-6am, with traffic diverted from junction 29 along the A1232 Ipswich Road, Cowdray Avenue and Cymbeline Way back to junction 27.

There will be further overnight closures of the A12 between junctions 27 and 28; first northbound for two weeks in late June then southbound in July.

Ms Lissimore said Highways England had discussed the works with county councillors and planned to begin on May 28, which is the Spring Bank Holiday.

“During this time, structural engineers will replace the bridge deck expansion joints, localised renewal of water-proofing, full resurfacing, road marking renewal and replacement of reflective studs,” the message continued. Drainage maintenance and repainting of the steelwork will also take place while the A12 is closed. To complete this work safely and minimise disruption to the travelling public, the work will be done overnight, with closures of both the north and southbound A12 carriageways between J27 and J28, along with partial closures of the junction 27 slip road.”

The diversion route when the A12 is closed will be via A133 Avenue of Remembrance.

However, Ms Lissimore said the council “cannot rule out the possibility of a slight increase in overnight traffic through Prettygate and Lexden”.