Traffic chaos is expected to hit drivers using the A127 from tomorrow as essential work on underground gas pipes is carried out on one of south Essex's busiest roads.

Transco, which is carrying out the improvements to gas pipes at the Fortune of War A176 junction at Basildon and just east of the A130 Canvey interchange at Rayleigh Weir, expects the works to last four months.

From Tomorrow, lanes across the busy road will be closed causing major congestion for commuters using the arterial road.

One lane in the London-bound direction and one lane travelling towards Southend at the A130 Canvey interchange will be closed between 8pm and 6am while work is carried out on the central reservation area.

Renovations are expected to last two weeks.

Work on the gas network at the Halfway House interchange at the A128 junction is also due to start on Tuesday and one lane on the Southend-bound carriageway on the A127 and the slip road leading to the A128 roundabout will be closed.

Bosses hope to close the road section between 9.30am and 3.30pm to avoid closing the carriageway at peak times. These renovations are expected to last seven weeks.

Work on the A176 junction at the Fortune of War in Basildon will follow the improvements being carried out at the A130 interchange and is expected to last eight weeks.

The Southend-bound lane on the A127 will have to be closed while these renovations are carried out.

Transco network operations manager Steve Bunker said: "Transco is sorry for the inconvenience caused by this essential work."

He added: "We would like to assure road users that we are working to minimise this and to complete the work as quickly as possible.

"The work is part of our maintenance programme to replace old pipes and ensure that the volume of gas required is delivered safely to customers."

Ray Howard (Con, Canvey West) said: "I understand these works are necessary but I hope - and I will be making representations to this end - that there is a minimum of disruption."

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