A TOP Colchester attraction has warned visitors to expect heavy traffic over the upcoming weeks as roadworks are carried out.

Visitors to Colchester Zoo have been told they could encounter congestion on their journeys home due to roadwork closures along the A12 from April 15 to April 19 and then April 21 to April 26.

The road will be closed overnight from 8pm until 6am between Junction 26 at Stanway and Junction 25 at Marks Tey on the southbound carriageway, meaning traffic is likely to increase. 

Diversions, however, will be in place, to help ease congestion.

Motorists will be able to travel along the A1124, London Road and re-join the A12 at Junction 25 at Marks Tey. 

From April 20 to May 17, the entry slip road at Junction 26 will also be completely closed. 

To avoid the closure, traffic will join the A12 northbound at Junction 26 Stanway, and travel to Junction 27, and re-join the A12 southbound at the Junction 27 entry slip road. 

In a statement, the zoo said: “Please consider this when planning your journey as you may experience heavy traffic in this area and an alternative route may be beneficial.”