TEMPORARY speed restrictions have been removed on a section of the A12 as a long-running resurfacing project finally moves into its 'final phase'.

Roadworks on the southbound carriageway of the A12 between Colchester's Spring Lane roundabout and the Marks Tey interchange have also been lifted, allowing for a return to three lanes of traffic after two years of work.

The 50mph speed restriction will remain in place on the northbound carriageway as National Highways looks to complete what it says is the final phase of the resurfacing scheme.

It is hoped the changes mean the completion of the project is in sight, after overrunning by seven months.

The resurfacing is also £11million over budget, as the Gazette revealed in March.

National Highways blamed the delays on bad weather and said the roadworks would be finished by the August bank holiday, before the completion date was pushed back to September.

The current date for completion of the scheme is now mid October, although there will still be a string of overnight closures before the project is finally finished.

National Highways has said the 'binder course layer' on the road – which is what traffic will travel on until the final resurfacing is complete – requires further work before the last layer can be applied.

The result is further closures each evening from 8pm until 6am between now and Sunday, October 6.

During these times, traffic will be diverted via the Junction 25 northbound exit slip road at Marks Tey.

Drivers will then be redirected along London Road to Stanway before re-joining the northbound carriageway at the Junction 26 entry slip road.

The end of the roadworks cannot come soon enough for commuters, with overnight road closures overruning several times.

The most recent incident occurred last week, prompting Colchester MP Pam Cox to demand answers from National Highways.

Commuters were plagued with similar problems in 2023 when a faulty asphalt meant only one lane of the A12 could be reopened after overnight roadworks last September.

Last May, similar delays combined with a burst water main caused what has become all-too-familiar chaos.

A statement on the National Highways website apologised for the delays.

It read: "We apologise for the delay to completing our work.

"We are working hard to complete this project.

"Thank you for your continued patience."