RESIDENTS and motorists in the South Essex area are reminded to avoid the Orsett Cock roundabout junction for the whole of this weekend as major works take place.

From 9pm this evening (Friday, 18 June) to 5am on Monday (21 June) the roundabout will be closed after the A13 westbound entry slip road, to the A128 Brentwood Road southbound junction. The following will also be closed:

A13 eastbound exit slip road towards Orsett Cock roundabout

A128 northbound from Orsett Cock roundabout

A128 southbound towards Orsett Cock roundabout

A13 eastbound entry slip road from the Orsett Cock roundabout

A13 westbound exit slip road towards Orsett Cock roundabout

A1013 Stanford Road junction closed eastbound, east of Orsett Cock roundabout

it is likely the works will cause issues in the villages of Orsett and Horndon on the Hill which may take the bulk of traffic attempting to head west to east and avoiding the roundabout.

Thurrock Council, which has commissioned the A13 road widening works currently underway, says all road users should try to avoid travelling via Orsett Cock roundabout and 'nearby villages'.

"Plan your journeys in advance to help minimise congestion in surrounding areas" says the council.