IMPROVEMENT works to create smoother and safer journeys on the A12 are set to begin by the end of the month.

At first the work will focus on new road markings, new signs, replacing sections of safety barriers and resurfacing sections of the road from junction 13, Trueloves Interchange, at Ingatestone, to junction 15, the Webbs Farm Interchange, which leads to Three Mile Hill, Chelmsford.

Work will also take place between junctions 29 and 30 (Crown Interchange to Stratford St Mary Interchange) and junction 27 (Spring Lane) slip road.  

In December, embankment repairs at Chelmer and resurfacing at junction 16, at Galleywood, will be carried out.

Highways England project manager, Homy Atife, urged motorists to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys in case of delays.

He said: “This work will make journeys better for local people by improving safety for the thousands of drivers that use these roads each day.

“We understand this scheme will cause some disruption for drivers and we have planned to carry out the work overnight to reduce the impact.

“I would urge motorists to plan ahead and allow extra time in case of any delays. Local residents directly affected by the work have been informed and will be escorted through the work where appropriate.”

In the New Year work will take place on the A12 at Stratford St Mary, A14 junction 56-58 (Wherstead to Levington) safety barrier replacement, drainage work on the A12 junction 27-29 and resurfacing on the A12 between junctions 27-28 and 30-31. 

The £3million contract is part of Highways England’s commitment in the region to improve safety and ensure better journey experiences across the East region’s busiest roads.

The final two phases of work will begin early next year and all work will be suspended during the Christmas period to enable motorists to get away over the festive period.