BUS passengers are being warned to expect delays while major roadworks are carried put.

Work to widen Nethermayne, between Roundacre and Basildon Hospital roundabouts, is expected to start on Monday.

The £3.4million scheme involves adding an extra lane for cars travelling between the hospital roundabout and the junction with Ashdon Way, and two lanes in both directions under the railway bridge up to the junction with the Roundacre roundabout.

In addition, the existing junction at Ashdon Way will be upgraded.

The work is expected to ease congestion around Basildon Hospital, improve access for patients, visitors and staff, and reduce journey times.

First, which operates buses across the borough, is urging passengers using services 15, 15A, 15B, 21, 25, 100, 101, 200, 200X and 201 to allow extra time.

The roadworks are expected to continue until March 2015.

Alex Jones, operations director for First Essex, said: “We apologise for the inconvenience this will cause.

“We would encourage passengers to allow extra time for their journeys. We aim to run all services during this time however many routes could experience delays.”

For more information, call First on 08456 020121.