A13 is reopened and with barely a cone in sight it's three lanes all the way between junctions

By Neil Speight 2nd May 2022

A THORN in the side of Thurrock residents and motorists has finally been removed after the A13 road widening project was completed over the weekend.

Last night (Saturday, 1 May), the vast majority of road cones, lane closures, speed restrictions and diversions came to an end as the three lane section between Stanford-le-Hope's Manorway roundabout (A1014) and the Orsett Cock Roundabout (A128) was opened.

The project has been delivered at a cost massively over budget, with some estimates putting the overspend approaching £50 million, the last official word last year was more than £40 million. And it has opened around 18 months behind schedule having originally been planned to be completed in late 2020.

Nevertheless, motorists last night – a little earlier than this morning's 5am scheduled opening - were able to enjoy the new carriageways and filter lanes as the A13 has been widened from two to three lanes in both directions.

Thurrock Council, which instigated the project in 2016 when it produced a financial plan saying the scheme would cost £78.8 million, says a special low-noise road surface is in place to minimise the noise from the A13. In addition, noise-reducing fences – known as environmental barriers – have been installed to give more protection for nearby residents. Highway drainage, safety barriers and signs also have been improved.

The A13 was reopened, for one ahead of schedule, last night.

There's also a new dedicated lane on the A13 westbound entry slip road at the Stanford-le-Hope junction so traffic can merge with the A13 westbound carriageway more easily.

The works included four new bridges

Saffron Gardens Bridge, which has been described as unsightly.

Horndon Bridge – a bridleway which links the village of Horndon on the Hill with Stanford-le-Hope
Saffron Gardens Bridge – a farm access route
Orsett Cock roundabout bridges – two bridges that support the roundabout

A temporary 30mph speed limit will remain in place on the Orsett Cock roundabout until work on new traffic lights is completed and the new third lane is in use. This is expected to be in early May 2022. when the third lane has opened, the speed limit return to 50mph.

A temporary 50mph speed limit will remain in place on the A13 between the Stanford-le-Hope and Orsett junctions until electrical work on street lights is completed. This is expected to be in July 2022. Once completed, the national speed limit of 70mph for cars will apply. The temporary 30mph safety limit on the old Staford Road has now been lifted. The road returns to a 50mph limit.

In addition to the work on lighting, some other works are still ongoing. These will have minimal impact on road users and residents says the council.