ROADWORKS are likely to cause delays to traffic on one of Southend’s busiest roads for 12 weeks.

National Grid is continuing its work to replace old iron gas mains with more durable plastic pipes and will be digging up Prittlewell Chase this spring.

One lane of westbound carriageway will be closed between Cleveland Drive and Hillborough Road between April 11 and July 4.

Temporary traffic lights will also be in action near Hillborough Road for the same duration.

A spokesman for National Grid said: “It’s our job to fix leaks, to connect new homes to the network and to make sure everything is running as it should.

“This includes replacing the old metal pipes with plastic ones so that they last long into the future.

“The metal pipes, which have been in the ground for a long time, won’t last forever.

“If we’re going to ensure you continue to get a safe, efficient gas supply, we have to replace every single one.

“It’s going to take a while, but long-term it will be better.”

The work will overlap with major roadworks that are already causing delays in nearby Hobleythick Lane.

National Grid have had temporary traffic lights in order near the junction of Hobleythick Lane and Prittlewell Chase since February 8, with work not expected to be completed until May 23.

Ron Price, of Hobleythick Lane, said the workmen are doing a good job.

He said: “To be perfectly honest the guys doing it are so good.

“I am sure people have been disturbed by it, and we have been, but they have done a great job.

“The work has got to be done too, the old pipes won’t hold on forever.”

In addition to that, Southend Council will have roadworks in place at the junction of Hobleythick Lane with Prince Avenue from Tuesday, March 8, for nearly two weeks.

While motorists will be affected by the works but can take an alternative route, bus company Arriva has asked for patience from their passengers on the 7, 8 and 407 services.

A spokesman for the company said: “Our drivers will be doing their best to keep as near to time as possible but please bear with them if your bus is delayed as a result of these works that are totally beyond our control.

“If you are travelling to attend appointments or make connections we would advise you to allow more time for your journey.”