A MULTI-million pound scheme to improve safety and tackle congestion on the A12 is set to get underway next week.

Craig Robinson

A MULTI-million pound scheme to improve safety and tackle congestion on the A12 is set to get underway next week.

The roadworks, which are happening between Hatfield Peverel and Witham South from Tuesday, will cost �6.8m.

They will provide an extra lane southbound between the two junctions, which should help drivers joining and leaving the A12.

In addition the existing carriageway will be resurfaced, additional street lighting and road signs will be installed and maintenance work to Woodend Bridge will also be carried out.

Two lanes will be maintained in each direction throughout the day, with overnight lane closures between 8pm and 5am on weekdays, extended to 8am on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

A 50mph speed limit will be in place and there will also be occasional overnight slip road closures with diversions in place.

Meanwhile work to repair and improve the road markings on the A12 southbound between junction 26 (Eight Ash Green) and junction 25 (Marks Tey) will be carried out over two nights between 9pm and 6am on Tuesday and Wednesday, with one lane remaining open throughout the work.

Work to repaint the white lines, renew the reflective road studs and patch repairs will be carried out over two nights on Thursday and Friday between junctions 23 (Kelvedon South) and junction 24 (Kelvedon North) between 8pm and 6am with a closure of the southbound carriageway.

Southbound traffic will be diverted from junction 24 via the B1024 London Road, Feering Hill and High Street back to the A12 at junction 23 Kelvedon South interchange.