RESIDENTS and motorists in the east of the borough are reminded that A13 works tomorrow (Sunday, 19 December) will see some diversions.

The A13 westbound entry slip road at The Manorway junction will be closed from 6am on Sunday until 5am on Monday 20 December for electrical installation works. A diversion will be in place via the A1013 Stanford Road to the Orsett junction.

In addition on Sunday night, the A13 eastbound will be closed between Orsett Cock roundabout and Stanford-le-Hope, between 10.30pm and 5am. The A13 westbound will be closed between Stanford-le-Hope and Orsett, between 11.30pm and 2.30am.

Drivers are advised to use the A127 to avoid the closures, with local traffic able to use the A1013 Stanford Road.

Meanwhile concern has been raised by some councillors about the continued lack of information about what is happening with the A13 widening project and when it will finally be completed.

Last week Thurrock Nub News reported on news that some local businesses, particularly around the Orsett Cock roundabout area, have been told that works will now stretch back into May - causing more disruption.

The last formal comment from the council was that the work would be completed by February, having slipped back from the December deadline set earlier this year. Thurrock Council has now imposed a ban on 'engaging' with Nub News and informed us it will no longer answer any questions.

That news blackout reflects the concern felt by some councillors who are also running up against a brick wall when trying to drag information out of officers.

One of those is Labour transport spokesman Cllr Martin Kerin who says: ""The veil of secrecy being shrouded over this botched project is unacceptable. However, it is becoming ever clear why Thurrock's Tories are operating in this way. They have managed to completely bungle this crucial infrastructure project to point where it is years delayed and tens of millions overspent.

"Thurrock Labour have repeatedly pressed for a full Local Government Association Peer Review into the shambolic project, yet the Tories have repeatedly voted it down. Equally, legitimate questions from the press are being left ignored.

"Thurrock Labour have spoken to frustrated local business owners who are being kept in the dark. It can't go on like this!

"Thurrock's Tories must come clean, own up to the mess they have created and explain to Thurrock's residents how they have managed to allow this crucial project to be delayed and overspent to unacceptable extent that it has."

Further pressure by Cllr Kerin on council officers via the council's complaints and information governance process has elicited some response acknowledging that work is now likely to go on past February, and beyond March in some places - though he says there is still not enough detail.

He has shared the information he has been given, which is: "The A13 is still on target to substantially complete within the first quarter of next year.

"The latest programme submitted by Kier shows Open for Traffic at the end of March 2022.

"This is a delay from previous forecast of February 2022 advised in November due to a significant and complex construction/technical issue which is nearing resolution.

"The delay was confirmed this week and therefore not included in the last planning, transport, regeneration overview and scrutiny committee report. However the risk associated with soil nailing at Orsett Cock roundabout was noted in the report which proved to be the primary cause of delay.

"There are a number of challenges affecting construction at present e.g. Covid impacting the workforce. A number of work gangs have been affected already. Also weather and supply chain issues have impacted road surfacing quality and production and remain a risk of delay. Kier and the project team are fully committed to mitigate these risks where possible."

The main contractor on the A13 widening project is Kier, who have already earned more than £100 million from the council for work on the project, but they too are subject to a communications ban by Thurrock Council and they are not allowed to comment to press on the project. The company that came up with the design for the widening project is Atkins Ltd, who were paid £3,740,000 for their services.