DRIVERS have been warned as the A12 is due to be closed overnight.

A community message was sent by county councillor Sue Lissimore (Cons), about a project to fix a bridge near junction 27 of the A12, at Spring Lane.

The bridge carries the A12 carriageways over the top of Junction 27 eastbound exit slip road in the direction of Colchester.

Mrs Lissimore said: "Users of this section of the A12 will have noticed the marked deterioration of the structure over winter. Essential maintenance cannot be delayed any longer.

"After consultation with county councillors, Highways England advise me they plan to begin work on May 28 and expect to be finished by the end of September.

"During this time, structural engineers will replace the bridge deck expansion joints, localised renewal of water-proofing, full resurfacing, road marking renewal and replacement of reflective studs.

"Drainage maintenance and repainting of the steelwork will also take place while the A12 is closed."

To complete this work safely and minimise disruption, the work is expected to take place overnight.

The signposted diversion routes when the A12 is closed between junctions 27 and 28 will be via A133 Avenue of Remembrance.

From May 28 the junction 27 slip road will be reduced to one lane, until the end of September.

Overnight closures will be in place from 8pm to 6am, Monday to Friday.

Works on the A12 Northbound between junctions 27 and 28 will take place in mid July, for two weeks.

The southbound carriageway will be worked on at the end of September.