A busy stretch of the A13 will be closed throughout this weekend as work continues on widening the road to three lanes.

Both carriageways between the A128 (Orsett Cock) and A1014 (Stanford-le-Hope) will be shut for more than 48 hours as the project enters its final stages.

A similar closure will be in place during a weekend in March, so here is everything you need to know about the widening scheme and when it will be finished:

Thurrock Gazette:

When are closures in place?

This weekend’s closure will be enforced at 9pm today (Friday, February 19) and will be in place until 5am on Monday.

It means the A13 is shut in both directions between the A128 and A1014.

The same stretch of road will be shut again between 9pm on Friday, March 5 and Sunday, March 7.

What is the diversion route?

Motorists are urged to avoid driving through Horndon on the Hill while the A13 is closed.

Instead, they are being asked to follow the diversion route which is marked out by signs.

It takes drivers along the A127 and M25.

Thurrock Gazette:

Buckingham Hill Road is also closed in both directions between the entrance to Linford Household Waste and Recycling Centre and the A1013 Stanford Road during the weekend-long closures of the A13.

A signed diversion route will be in place via Muckingford Road, Linford Road, Chadwell Hill, Marshfoot Road, the A1089, the A13 and the A1013 Stanford Road.

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What work is being done to the A13?

The widening project will see the A13 extended from two lanes to three in both directions between the A128 and the A1014.

When complete, the widened section will join with the existing three-lane section of the A13, west of the A128, providing a continuous three-lane road in both directions between the M25 and Stanford-le-Hope.

As part of the work, four bridges are being replaced, the Orsett Cock roundabout will be widened and new traffic lights will be installed to help manage traffic.

Thurrock Gazette:

When will the project be completed?

Having started in 2019, it is hoped the widening scheme will be finished before the end of this year.

Thurrock Council says improving the A13 will boost the local economy, helping businesses to increase productivity, reduce costs and create more jobs .

A new low-noise road surface is also being laid, while improvements are also being made to lighting, visibility, barriers and drainage.

More information about the scheme and future road closures are available here