Drivers on the A13 will battle delays and closures for up to 12 full weekends over 18 months, it has been revealed.

The project, one of the largest local authority-managed road schemes in the country, will cost £79 million.

It will involve widening a 2.3 mile section of the A13 from two to three lanes in both directions between the A128, at the Orsett Cock roundabout, and the A1014, at the Manorway, Stanford-le-Hope.

Preparation works started in December 2017, with main on-road works expected to start in early 2019.

The scheme, which will also include replacing four existing bridges and improvements to the Orsett Cock roundabout, is scheduled to be completed in autumn 2020.

There will be a number of day-time restrictions, as well as overnight and weekend closures, but Thurrock Council has insisted it is doing all its can to keep these to a minimum.

Mark Coxshall, councillor for regeneration, said: “This section of the A13 is currently operating over capacity, with approximately 77,000 vehicles using it on a daily basis.

“For most of the works, we will keep two narrow lanes open on the A13 in both directions with a reduced speed limit and camera enforcement in place.

“We expect there may be up to 12 full weekend closures during the whole project to enable bridges to be replaced, but we are hopeful of reducing that number. Any closures will be advertised well in advance to encourage cross-county traffic to avoid the A13 and use other appropriate routes such as the A12 and A127.”

From early 2019, during the day-time there will be two narrow lanes open on the A13 in both directions, with work taking place at the roadside or in the central reservation area.

There will also be lower speed limits.

Overnight there will be some lane closures on the A13, some slip road closures at the Stanford-le-Hope and Orsett Junctions, with diversions in place.

There will be occasions when the A13 is fully closed over the weekend in both directions, when diversions will be in place from 10pm on Fridays, until 5am on Mondays.

To get the latest news about the A13 road widening project, sign up for the council’s e-newsletter at www.thurrock.gov.uk/a13newsletter or visit the website at www.thurrock.gov.uk/A13.