Road closures on a key route in Basildon will begin tomorrow as part of ongoing roadworks.

Parts of the A132 East Mayne and Christopher Martin Road will be shut overnight across the next week for the safety of workers, Essex Highways has said.

The project will see the existing shared pedestrian and cycle route in East Mayne moved to reduce residents’ exposure to air pollution.

It comes after part of East Mayne was identified as exceeding legal limits for nitrogen dioxide - a harmful gas caused by vehicle emissions.

Works started in November but were suspended during the Christmas period.

The next phase gets underway from tomorrow, and this will lead to overnight closures on the roads.

Signed diversion routes will be in place and restrictions will be removed at the end of each shift to allow the roads to remain open during the day.

The planned closures are:

• Christopher Martin Road will close from 9pm to 5am between Honywood Road and the A132 East Mayne on Thursday and Friday this week, and Monday, January 10.

• The A132 East Mayne Southbound will be close from 9pm to 5am between the Nevendon Roundabout and the junction with Cricketers Way next Wednesday (January 12) and Thursday (January 13) Essex Highways says further overnight closures of Christopher Martin Road are expected later this month and dates will be published once they are confirmed.