Margaretting Bypass in Essex becomes latest stretch of A12 to receive new lease of life

Work to remove, reconstruct and resurface a stretch of the A12 in Essex giving the carriageway a new lease of life is set to get underway this month.

Starting on Monday 27 February, National Highways will begin work on a £65-million project to revitalise the A12 Margaretting Bypass between the Trueloves Interchange (junction 13) and the Webbs Farms Interchange (junction 15).

This forms part of a nationwide drive to replace or repair ageing concrete roads across the country.

Decades of use and hundreds of millions of journeys have left the A12 in need of vital upgrades, which will improve safety, create a smoother road surface and reduce noise for those using it.

A12: Decades of use means the concrete surface needs replacing

The scheme will see National Highways completely remove the concrete road surface down to the foundations, before rebuilding the road with recycled material and a new smooth asphalt surface.

As well as resurfacing the road, the project will also see replacement kerbs installed, the drainage system refurbished, safety barriers replaced, new road markings and new reflective road studs – commonly known as ‘cat’s eyes’. 

The scheme is expected to be complete by summer 2024.

Preparation work has already begun with the installation of speed cameras, CCTV, and temporary barriers. This will continue over the next few weeks ahead of a change to the road layout which comes into effect from Monday 27 February. This will include temporary road markings and narrower lanes will be in place to allow the reconstruction of lane three on both the northbound and southbound carriageways. The existing 40mph speed limit will remain in place for the safety of workers and others using the road.

As road users get used to the new layout, National Highways expect increased congestion and traffic delays during peak times for the first two to three weeks following the start of work on Monday 27 February. Those travelling through the section are asked to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.

Following that period, delays through the road works are projected to be a maximum of 10 minutes for those travelling northbound and 15 minutes for those going south.

Karl Brooks, National Highways Programme Delivery Manager, said:

“The A12 is one of the region's most important roads and carries 80,000 vehicles each day helping to connect London with Suffolk. It’s a vital route and, as anyone regularly travelling on the road will know, it needs to be upgraded. Our work will futureproof this important route for years to come.

“We are sorry for the inconvenience this work will cause and are doing all we can to minimise disruption – this includes working overnight and at weekends. Later this year we are installing a contraflow system which will also help to keep traffic moving in both directions limiting the need for closures or diversions.