THE latest timetable of A12 closures has been set out by National Highways with the organisation scheduling only two more weekend shutdowns between now and the spring.

The long-running works, which started in October, are not due to finish until spring of next year despite original plans suggesting the closures would run until February.

According to the latest bulletin from National Highways, which the organisation has said is subject to change, there are only two more weekend closures scheduled.

This weekend will result in a full closure of the A12 northbound carriageway between junction 25 at Marks Tey and junction 26 at Stanway, with the closure coming into place on Friday at 9pm.

The diversion route will direct traffic from junction 25 at Marks Tey along London Road through Copford and Stanway, before allowing traffic to rejoin the A12 at junction 26.

Gazette: Diversion – large amounts of traffic will run through Stanway, Copford, and Marks TeyDiversion – large amounts of traffic will run through Stanway, Copford, and Marks Tey (Image: National Highways / Google Maps)

The closure will run until 5am on Monday morning.  

The final weekend when the A12 will be completely closed is three weeks into September, when the road will close from 9pm on Friday, September 22 until 5am on Monday, September 25.

On those dates, traffic will once again be diverted through London Road and Stanway.

There are also a range of night closures set to come into force, with the A12 fully closed from 9pm until 5am on the evenings of Monday, September 18 until Friday, September 22.

Much of the work taking place involves replacing the current concrete surface with asphalt, although barrier replacement and drainage renewal is also being undertaken by National Highways, whose budget between 2020 and 2025 has been reduced from £27.4 billion to £24 billion.

Gazette: Expensive – the concrete replacing scheme is costing National Highways £37 millionExpensive – the concrete replacing scheme is costing National Highways £37 million (Image: National Highways East)

Of that £24 billion, about £400 million is going towards “rebuilding and revitalising” concrete roads across the UK.

The A12 resurfacing works specifically amount to a cost of about £37 million.

Concrete roads, of which there are more proportionally in the eastern region than any other part of England, are being replaced with an asphalt surface which is believed to improve ride quality and reduce noise for drivers.

Anyone wishing to get in touch with National Highways about the works can dial 0300 123 5000, or email info@nationalhighways.co.uk.