Motorists travelling between Rayleigh and Hockley have been warned to expect a week of delays because of gas main work.
Transco engineers are replacing the main at the junction of Hockley Road and Hambro Hill in Rayleigh.
For the safety of engineers and motorists, temporary three-way traffic lights will be in operation at the junction throughout the work which is expected to last until next Wednesday.
A spokesman for Transco said: "We are sorry for the inconvenience experienced as a result of this work. It is essential to ensure a safe and reliable gas supply in the future."
Hockley Road is the major route for traffic from Rayleigh to Hockley and Rochford.
Hambro Hill is also used by traffic from Hockley which is travelling to Chelmsford and other parts of Essex.
Alternative routes include travelling from Rayleigh along Eastwood Road, Whitehouse Road and then Eastwoodbury Lane into Cherry Orchard Lane and then towards Hockley.
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