Witham motorists are heading for more delays this summer.

Not only will work on a new roundabout in Hatfield Road cause problems for eight weeks from later this month, but drivers will face more queues when contractors start re-surfacing the A12 bypass in August.

The work on the A12 should last until just before Christmas.

The surface will be renewed, lanes widened by two metres, bridges strengthened, and drains, lighting and laybys improved.Cameras will enforce the 40mph speed limit.

The work is part of a 10-year scheme to replace the old concrete carriageways and improve safety features, including lighting, along the A12 from Colchester to the M25.

The new surface will, says the Highways Agency, mean less traffic noise for nearby residents.Contractors working on the new roundabout in Hatfield Road will do much of the re-surfacing work at night.

But highways boss Robbie Jamieson admits there will be "unavoidable delays" during the day when traffic is controlled by lights.

Advance signs will be erected to warn motorists of the coming work, and signs on the northbound approach of the A12 will advise drivers to approach Witham from the northern A12 slip lanes as an alternative.

Published Friday, May 23, 2003

Brought to you by the Essex Chronicle