A multi-million pound project to improve the Brentwood stretch of the A12 is set to get underway next week and the Highways Agency is warning motorists to expect delays.

They could face further jams at Brentwood's A12 Brook Street junction 28 with the M25 as roundabout improvement work is also planned there for November.

The agency say the £10.4 million A12 resurfacing scheme will start on Monday and could take up to five months.

According to the agency the work, to be undertaken on both carriageways, is essential as the road surface is becoming increasingly worn out.

Both projects could have major knock-on effects for the area's traffic, but an agency spokesman insisted: "The Highways Agency is committed to minimising disruption wherever possible during roadworks, but, there could be minor delays at times.

"Drivers are advised to find alternative routes and avoid the area if possible."

It is hoped the roadworks will eventually provide a quieter, safer road surface on the two and a half mile stretch between Doddinghurst Road bridge, near Pilgrims Hatch, and Lower Road bridge, close to Mountnessing.

The Highway Agency is expecting the work to take until March next year.

Project Manager Julian O'Dell said: "This is the next stage of our programme to repair and resurface the worn out sections of the A12 in Essex to maintain the safety of road users."

Initial over night work will commence on Monday, October 21. And from Monday, October 28 there will be lane restrictions and a contra-flow in operation 24 hours a day.

However, two lanes of the road will be kept open in both directions from Monday to Friday between 5am and 9pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 9pm.

Published Friday October 18, 2002

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