RESIDENTS are being offered the chance to take a closer look at the major plans to widen the A13 through Thurrock at a series of drop-in information events.

The £79 million Thurrock Council project, which is one of the largest local authority-managed road schemes in the country, will involve widening a 2.3 mile section of the A13 from two to three lanes.

The lanes will be widened in both directions between the A128 at the Orsett Cock roundabout, and the A1014 at The Manorway, Stanford-le-Hope.

Mark Coxshall, councillor responsible for regeneration, said: “Recent years have seen significant investment in Thurrock and the wider south Essex area, and this project is just one example of £20billion of planned investment in jobs, homes and infrastructure in the borough.

“This section of the A13 is currently operating over capacity, with approximately 77,000 vehicles using it on a daily basis.

“Once the A13 scheme is completed there will be a continuous three lane carriageway from the M25 to Stanford-le-Hope, reducing congestion, improving journey times and supporting further economic growth.”

Preparation works started in December 2017 and will continue throughout the autumn and winter, 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. The project will also see four existing bridges over the A13 at Horndon Road, Saffron Gardens and the Orsett Cock (two structures) replaced with new bridges which span the widened road.

The Orsett Cock roundabout will be remodelled to increase capacity and connect with the two new bridges.

Others improvements include: *Traffic signals installed to help manage vehicle flows more safely.

*New energy efficient LED street lighting will be installed.

*Trees, hedges and areas of grassland will be planted and cultivated once construction works has completely finished.

Ahead of the main works starting, residents are being encouraged to come along to one of the drop-in public information events which have now been planned for next month.

The first information session is set for Monday, October 15 from 2pm to 8pm at East Thurrock Community Association, 77 Corringham Road, Stanford-le-Hope.

The second will be on Tuesday, 16 October from 2pm to 8pm at Horndon-on-the-Hill Methodist Church Hall, High Road, Horndon-on-the-Hill.

The third and final session will be held on Friday, October 19, from 2pm to 8pm at Orsett Churches Centre, High Road, Orsett.

More information about the A13 widening project, including regularly updated details of any road restrictions, are available online at www.thurrock.gov.uk/a13.