RESIDENTS in the east of the borough are bracing themselves for a weekend of severe traffic congestion as the A13 is to closed in both directions.

As part of the A13 widening project, construction company Kier say they need to close the full carriageway from the Orsett Cock Roundabout to the Manorway in both directions from 9pm tonight (Friday, 7 February) until 5am on Monday, 10 February.

The closure is to enable major electrical works to take place which will require the carriageway to be excavated.

A statement from the firm says: "During the closure we expect traffic congestion in the area to be severe. We will be advising drivers to use alternative routes via the A127 and M25 to avoid the A13. Local traffic will be diverted via the A1013 Stanford Road.

Further weekend closures will happen on the last two weekends in February and from Friday, 13 March to 16 March.