MOTORISTS and bus users in Thurrock once more face delays and diversions as a troubled road is once more closed.

Stifford Hill between South Ockendon and North Stifford, which also offers access to Chafford Hundred, is once more closed.

For the second time in 18 months a mater main has burst and it will take several days to repair.

The first burst happened in August 2018 and brought about several days of traffic congestion.

Then , in January last year, the road was closed for two weeks for repairs to the bridge over the Mar Dyke river.

Now the road is expected to be closed again until next week at the earliest because of damage caused by a burst water main.

A statement from Essex and Suffolk Water says: "Our work at North Stifford Hill is expected to be complete by 31 December."

Bus users have also been warned of delays which will be caused on routes Z1 - which runs from Lakeside Shopping Centre to Tilbury's Amazon warehouse - and 22 - which runs between Aveley and Grays.

Buses are on diversion both ways between the end of Daiglen Drive and Lakeside.