PLANS to get the ball rolling on £85million works to widen the A13 are set to get Thurrock Council’s approval next week.

The road will be widened from two lanes, in each direction, to three lanes between the Orsett Cock and Manor Way roundabouts. The Government announced in July it would stump up £5million to get work started, before ploughing in the remaining £70million later.

DP World – which own, built and runs the £1.5billion London Gateway superport – has also agreed to help with funding, contributing £10million to the project.

At next week’s cabinet meeting, councillors will be asked to allow for talks to begin with construction and design firms over the project.

John Kent, leader of Thurrock Council, said: “The people of Thurrock have been calling for this for more than a decade, now at last the money is in sight and we can start to get things moving.

“In just a few years’ time this scheme will help ensure Thurrock can achieve the exciting future we have planned.”