FOUR sliproads on a busy A127 junction will each have night closures starting today.

Every road off the Nevendon roundabout has been reduced to one lane as workmen overhaul the junction as part of an £8million junction widening project.

A dedicated left turn lane will also be created heading towards Wickford.

In order to complete the work, the authority has announced closures from 8.30pm for A127 sliproads for surfacing work to be carried out.

East Mayne heading to the A127 London-bound will be closed tonight.

The exit sliproad from the Southend-bound carriageway to Nevendon Road will be shut tomorrow night.

The entry sliproad from Nevendon Road to the Southend bound carriageway shuts on Thursday night.

Finally, the exit sliproad from the A127 to East Mayne will be shut on Friday night.

David Harrison, Wickford Independents councillor for Wickford Park, believes the closures are a bit early, but hopes it will help finish the work “as soon as possible.”

He added: “The sooner they finish it, the better. It has made Wickford a rat run with people using London Road and parts of Shotgate to avoid all the traffic.

“I think we should wait and see whether it will be a success, but there has been a lot of disruption to get it.

“I am concerned about the left turn lane towards Wickford, I still think there could be a recipe for disaster.”

The project, which began in April, has caused chaos during rush hour on the A127 and other approaches to the roundabout.

Essex County Council has insisted the work will finish by Christmas but some people remain sceptical it will be completed on time.

Original proposals included making Christopher Martin Road into a one way street heading westbound.

However, the authority ditched the plans, instead opting for traffic lights and a yellow box junction as it meets East Mayne.

Essex County Council insists that its roadworks at Nevendon will be completed by Christmas .

A spokesperson for Essex Highways said other minor work will then be carried out in early January.