COMMUTERS on the A12 have been warned to expect a year’s worth of roadworks after National Highways announced a reconstruction of the dual carriageway between Marks Tey and Stanway.

The road, which is part of a major commuting route from Colchester to Braintree, Witham and Chelmsford, is said by National Highways to be nearing the end of its lifespan.

It had been designed between the 1950s and 1970s, when numerous motorways were first laid and opened throughout Britain.

According to National Highways, the surfacing of the roads – which involves replacing the existing concrete road with a flexible asphalt road surface – is likely to cost in the region of £31 million.

The works will also mean a new speed limit of 50mph will be introduced whilst the resurfacing takes place, with overnight closures and weekend closures also expected.

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A spokesman from National Highways explained the dated design of the road meant it had to be replaced for safety reasons.

He said: “The East region has the highest concentration of concrete roads on our road network.

"Many of these roads that were designed between the 1950s and 1970s have an average life span of 50 years.

“Their surfaces are now reaching the stage where they will need to be repaired or replaced for safety reasons and to help them be less noisy and better to drive on.

“We are currently finalising detailed design and will be completing the construction programme over the next couple of months.

"Once finalised we will communicate the construction programme ahead of construction starting.”

The roadworks are likely to increase commuters’ journey times by 10 to 15 minutes, but during weekend closures, delays are expected to be significantly longer.

The spokesman added National Highways will use what is termed a contraflow arrangement – where traffic is directed in the opposite direction than it would normally flow – to complete the works.

Information events about the roadworks are due to take place later this month. One will be at Marks Tey Parish Hall on Wednesday, May 18 from 2pm to 8pm, and another will take place the following day at Tollgate Centre Shopping Park between 9am and 4pm.