Drivers are being warned of further delays due to long overdue works on a major south Essex junction.

Part of the A130 will be closed from where the A1245 (the old A130) meets the A130 link road from 10pm on Friday, May 10 until 5am on the Monday.

A diversion will be in place via the A1245 north to the A127 Nevendon Interchange, Southmayne, Eastmayne to Pitsea Interchange.

The road will be closed while works are carried out by Balfour Beatty to the Sadlers Farm junction.

Traffic from Sadlers Farm roundabout will have no restrictions London-bound onto the A13.

Residents said they are concerned about traffic issues due to the road closure.

Betty Cox, 60, from Pitsea said: “This will cause major issues for us drivers.

“I don’t know why it needs to be closed for such a long time.

“It seems so unnecessary to me.

“I don’t think the council really thinks about the impact it will have on people when they agree these roadworks.”

Barry Smith, 45, from Canvey, added: “This will cause traffic to back on to the island as well.

“I think the whole south of the county will be gridlocked and unable to cope with the amount of traffic on the roads.

“They just widened the A130.”

Kerry Smith, Independent Group councillor said: “It will cause gridlock.

“Anyone wanting to use their car should just forget it.

“Residents should just use the trains instead.

“I think the county council needs to give this as much publicity as possible.

“It is a necessary evil but will cause issues and is going to have quite a big impact on residents. As long as people know, they can plan.”

The Sadlers Farm project has been an ongoing issue for some years.

In March the Echo reported how work on what is one of the county’s biggest junctions had been delayed by six months after contractors found hidden cables while digging.

Balfour Beatty was due to complete a 12-month programme of remedial work at the junction in December but the company has since confirmed it won’t be completed until at least the summer due to “unforeseen complications”.

Motorists have endured lane closures, night closures and 50mph limits at the busy junction for more than a year already.

The remedial works at Sadlers Farm have been carried out despite a two-year project to rebuild the junction only finishing in 2012.

An Essex Highways spokesperson said: “A suitable diversion is available on other A roads, although drivers with local knowledge may find shorter routes.

“There may be some delays, so drivers are asked to allow extra time for their journey. It is a weekend closure to minimise disruption, and Balfour Beatty are hoping to finish the work and re-open the road before Monday early morning.

“Unfortunately it is not possible to complete the work at night and re-open the road, as it would not be safe to do so.

“The remedial work to be done includes drainage and moving the large road signs to a better position.”