NEW dates for when the A12 will be closed for roadworks has been announced after heavy rain delayed works.  

National Highways says predicted forecasts have led to changes in some planned closures to accommodate the upcoming traffic management switch which will see work begin on the southbound carriageway.

The road needs to be closed so the contraflow can be moved. 

Each closure will be in place between 9pm and 5am on each night.

On Friday, October 27 and Sunday, October 29 to Sunday, November 5, there will be a full closure of the A12 northbound carriageway between J25 Marks Tey and J26 Stanway 

As a result, traffic will exit at J25 Marks Tey and travel along B1408, A1124 and re-join the A12 at J26 Stanway.

On Monday, November 6, there will be a full closure of the A12 southbound between J29 Ardleigh Crown Interchange and J25 Marks Tey.

This means traffic will exit at J29 Ardleigh Crown Interchange and travel along A1232, A133, B1408 and re-join the A12 southbound at J25 Marks Tey entry slip.

On Saturday, October 28 as well as Tuesday, November 7 to Sunday, November 12, there will be a full closure of the A12 southbound carriageway between J26 Stanway and J25 Marks Tey.

Traffic will therefore need to exit at J26 Stanway and travel along the A1124, B1408 and re-join the A12 at J25 Marks Tey.

There will also be a full closure of the J27 southbound entry slip.

Traffic wanting to join the A12 southbound will need to take Cymbeline Way, B1408 and join the A12 southbound at J25 Marks Tey entry slip.

In an update National Highways said: "Once the contraflow has been moved, two lanes will remain open in each direction.

"Lane 1 and 2 northbound will carry northbound traffic, while southbound traffic will use lane 1 southbound and lane 3 northbound, in contraflow.

"This new layout will provide us with a clear area to allow us to safely complete our work on lanes 2 and 3 of the southbound carriageway.

"We now expect traffic will begin using the southbound contraflow from Saturday November 4 onwards.

"We’d like to thank all our customers and local residents for their patience whilst we carry out this work."