ROADWORKS on two sections of the A120 will start on Monday meaning drivers from Harwich being diverted on backroads to the Clacton sliproad.

For five nights both carriages of the A120 from Horlsey Cross to Ramsey roundabout will be closed from 9pm-6am.

Highways England’s contactor Kier will be carrying out a survey of the road condition as well as pothole repairs.

In a letter sent to stakeholders, Highways England said:

"Kier will be completing survey works on behalf of Highways England. 

"These surveys will allow us to investigate potential issues, and programme any future works necessary to maintain the existing infrastructure.

"Whilst in the area, we will also utilise this closure to perform pothole repair works."

Harwich councillor Ivan Henderson welcomed the works.

He said: "Any work they are going to do on that road to make it safer is welcomed.

"Obviously it's going to cause disruption but I'm sure everyone will be pleased they are now focusing on that road.

"It does seem that all the action of the public and everyone has paid off and all the shouting has paid off."

Also starting on Monday night from 8pm to 6am, a month of overnight work on the road will start to make way for a new roundabout.

The westbound carriageway from Horsley Cross to the Clacton slip road will be closed overnight as part of Highways England’s work to create a roundabout at the Hare Green junction.

The £3million roundabout is being built after the area became a notorious accident blackspot.

A report by Highways England revealed there have been 23 recorded collisions causing 52 casualties - with three of those being fatal - in the past five years. It also stated the majority of collisions have involved right-turn manoeuvres to or from side roads.

Preliminary work started in October, which involved the clearing of vegetation on the road.

But phase one, which is expected to last until the end of May, includes drainage runs being built and work to join the minor roads.

The overnight closure was due to start last month, but suffered set backs. A spokesman for Highways England said it was postponed due to “more urgent works on both Highways England’s and Essex County Council’s network”.

A report on the work says it will “remove the Harwich Road traffic island and realignment of road markings to create a new running lane”.

Once the work is complete there will be no turning from Harwich Road on to the A120.

The second phase is expected to start at the end of May when a lane will be closed in each direction during works.

The roundabout is due to be completely finished by the end of the year.

Diversion routes for both works will be signposted.