A12 Colchester roadworks 'on track to end this summer'

A £37million project to resurface the A12 between Marks Tey and Stanway started in October 2022 and should’ve finished in February this year, but the scheme was delayed.

Signs along the A12 now proudly tell motorists the roadworks are 75 per cent complete, and National Highways has told the Gazette the project “is still on track for completion by summer 2024”.

Work started on the A12 in Colchester in October 2022 (Image: Geographer)

A spokesman for National Highways said: “Regarding our percentage progress signage for the scheme, currently displaying 75 per cent, I can confirm that this reflects the completion percentage of construction activities, not the time elapsed.

“Certain activities, such as reconstructing the old concrete road surface, take longer to complete. We are now in the final stages of the southbound carriageway reconstruction.

“Once the final sections are completed, we will begin resurfacing both the northbound and southbound carriageways, a much quicker process than reconstruction.

“Our percentage signage is updated regularly, reflecting progress as reconstruction, resurfacing, and weekend work are completed. I'm pleased to report that we are still on track for completion by summer 2024.”

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But as the project nears completion, extra weekend and slip road closures will be needed, National Highways added.

The contraflow lane on the London-bound carriageway will be a priority to stay open whenever possible.

'I'll believe it when I see it'

Colchester resident Becky Lawrence, who regularly drives on the A12, is sceptical, however.

She said: “I appreciate the various challenges that have arisen from the progress on the A12 but I also feel National Highways should never have promised and failed to deliver on the previous end dates.

“It is incredibly frustrating especially for those who are self-employed and lose a day’s wages because of the increased number of accidents as a result of these roadworks.

“Although they are pleased to report they are on track, I’ll only believe it when I see it.”

Another four years of roadworks could follow the current project after the government approved a bid to widen the major road to three lanes between Colchester and Chelmsford earlier this year.