Drivers are reminded that the A13 will be closed between Orsett and Stanford-le-Hope next weekend as road widening works continue.

Thurrock Council is widening a 2.3 mile section of the A13 from two to three lanes in both directions between the A128 (Orsett Cock roundabout) and the A1014 (The Manorway, Stanford-le-Hope) in what is one of the largest local authority-managed road schemes in the country.

To enable Saffron Gardens Farm Bridge to be demolished safely, the A13 will be closed in both directions between the A128 (Orsett Cock roundabout) and the A1014 (Stanford-le-Hope) from 9pm on Friday, 30 August, until 5am on Monday, 2 September.

Additional works by BT to install new communications cables will also be taking place at the same time.

Non-local traffic is urged to avoid the A13 altogether during this closure and use alternative routes such as the A130, A127 and M25.

Local traffic will be diverted via the A1013 Stanford Road.

Mark Coxshall, councillor for Regeneration and Strategic Planning, said: “This is the first full weekend closure of the A13 as part of this project and we recognise it is likely to cause some inconvenience and disruption. 

“To help us keep this to a minimum, we would encourage drivers on longer, cross-county journeys to use alternative routes such as the A130, A127 and M25, which will help them avoid delays and also reduce the likelihood of congestion in Orsett, Horndon on the Hill and Stanford-le-Hope. 

“Thank you to everyone for their patience while we continue with works to create a continuous three lane carriageway from the M25 to Stanford-le-Hope, reducing congestion, improving journey times and supporting further economic growth.”

For more information about the project, including planned road closures, visit www.thurrock.gov.uk/A13 and sign up for the A13 e-newsletter at www.thurrock.gov.uk/A13newsletter.