Essex motorists face 25-mile diversion during speed camera installation work
The current 60mph speed limit on the Coggeshall bypass west towards Bradwell and eastwards to Marks Tey will permanently be reduced to 50mph
A major road across Essex is set to see five new speed cameras as part of a new scheme to make the road safer- but motorists will have to use a 25-mile diversion during works.
Work started on Monday (March 31) on the safety scheme which will see the current 60mph speed limit on the Coggeshall bypass west towards Bradwell and eastwards to Marks Tey permanently reduced to 50mph.
Additionally, the 40mph speed limit through Bradwell will be extended 635m to the east.
The A120 scheme will feature the installation of five new average speed safety cameras along a section of the A120 between Marks Farm, Braintree and Marks Tey near Colchester. From March 31 closures will be in place, weeknights from 9pm until 6 am between Marks Farm Farm Roundabout to Marks Tey to allow works.
Road users approaching the area are advised to use the signposted diversions.
For eastbound traffic motorists should exit at Panners Roundabout / Great Notley Roundabout onto the A131 and travel to junction 19 of the A12.
They then should continue on the A12 before rejoining the A120 at junction 25 at Marks Tey.
Westbound traffic should continue on A12 to junction 19, join the A131 and rejoin the A120 at Great Notley Roundabout.
The diversion from Marks Tey to Braintree via Chelmsford is about 25 miles.
Work on the £2.6m project is expected to be completed during summer 2025.
Martin Fellows, National Highways Regional Director for the East region, said: “Safety is, and will always be, our number one priority, and we understand how important improved safety is to those who use this route as well as those who live nearby.
“Our work has identified sections of the A120 where we believe safety improvements can be made. These changes to the speed limit aim to reduce the frequency and severity of collisions which helps keep traffic flowing and creates safer roads for everyone.”
To minimise disruption to road users the works will be carried out on weekday nights, usually between 9pm to 6am, weather permitting. Drivers have been warned to allow additional time to complete their journeys while the works are taking place.