SPECULATION that Thurrock Council is deliberately delaying completion of the widening project on the A13 has started to grow in the wake of news that work that would mean the removal of a 50mph speed limit on the refurbished carriageways is being held back until last year.

Insiders within Thurrock Council have told Nub News that outstanding payments on the work, and for the installation of new lighting, are presenting the cash-strapped authority with a problem.

The council is cutting operational budgets and seeking to stem the flow of cash out of its coffers as a probe continues into its 'catastrophic' financial position caused by a failed 'borrow-to-invest' policy.

Delaying completion of the project will also delay having to produce a final sets of accounts – certain to be another embarrassment to the problem-ridden and beleagured Conservative administration who stand accused of a lack of due dilgence in monitoring financial affairs.

Any rise in the already exhorbitant cost of the widening project - with leading councillors have insited would not be allowed to happen and the project would be delivered with the ;latest 'budget envelope' would simply rip more of their credibility to govern away.

The much-delayed widening project overran by almost two years and is already believed to be a least £40 million over budget. Delaying revealing the true cost may be one reason for stalling on the lighting – not having enough cash to pay for it may be another.

But fiscal failure is of little concern to local residents who have already expressed worries about the speed limit – and have said it may be playing a part in an increased number of crashes on the road.

In the past week alone there were at least three significant multi-vehicle incidents on the stretch that has been widened and it has been speculated that drivers who have missed notices of a 'temporary' 50mph limit on what is a pristine, newly widened piece of road may be clashing with slower moving traffic.

Whatever the reasons behind the delay to full reopening, it is expected to continue. A council update has revealed the current 50mph limit will not be raised to 70mph until January 2023 when the scheme is expected to be fully completed.

Delays in installing lighting, which should have been completed in July, have been cited for the hold up.

One of the past week's crashes on the A13. Picture by Michael Sumner.

A report, to councillors on Thurrock's planning, transport, regeneration overview and scrutiny committee, said: "Progress on site in 2022 has been good with the road open with all lanes running on the main carriageway at 50mph on May 2. Orsett Cock Roundabout was opened at 30mph until the traffic lights were commissioned on May 26 and currently operates at 50mph.

"The road is running very well, and the main benefits of the project are being realised by creating additional capacity to reduce congestion, improve journey times, facilitate growth and improve access to key strategic economic hubs."

The report said some complaints had been received regarding the national speed limit.

It added: "This requires replacement of power feeder pillars and connections for the street lighting at the eastern extent of the works. This is now forecast for January 23 due to national supply chain delays for manufactured equipment.

"Mitigations being explored including rolling speed restriction."

The report said a 70mph limit before the work is completed had been ruled out on safety grounds but that it is being "re-evaluated and could be accepted by Thurrock Council on a risk basis.

It adds: "More than £13 million has been invested locally, by using regional suppliers and businesses based within ten miles of the project – supporting the local economy at a time when this is needed more than ever."