NATIONAL Highways has said poor weather and difficult ground conditions have meant they could not complete a major resurfacing project on time and on budget.

The resurfacing of the A12 from junction 25 in Marks Tey to junction 26 in Stanway is set to be finished eight months late and £11million over budget, according to National Highways’ own figures.

But the company has said it hopes to complete the works in time for the August bank holiday.

A spokesman said: “We had originally expected work to finish this spring but difficult ground conditions, requiring more extensive treatment than originally envisaged, and extended periods of poor weather have contributed to delays.

“This has also contributed towards the additional overall cost.”

The spokesman added other unforeseen construction factors have meant they are unable to provide an exact end date.

He continued: “The estimated end completion in all our current communications is summer 2024.

“Whilst we can’t provide an exact date for completion because poor weather, incidents and other as yet unknown construction factors may change it, we currently expect to be able to fully reopen the A12 to traffic before the August bank holiday.”

No further overnight closures for the A12 are currently scheduled.