A MAJOR overhaul of one of south Essex's busiest junctions has been branded a "shambles" as the five-year project continues to rumble on - with no end in sight.

Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois has hit out at Essex County Council (ECC) for what he has labelled “endless ongoing delays” at Sadler’s Farm roundabout.

The original remodelling of the junction, to replace the notorious “magic roundabout” cost over £60 million.

And in 2017, County Hall commenced a series of standard inspections on the A13/A130 junction, which discovered a number of defects.

To fix the issues, contracting company Balfour Betty was drafted in to complete the roadworks.

The works, which have now been ongoing for five years, are still not complete and entail speed restrictions and narrowing of lanes.

Mark Francois MP said: “On my way to Westminster mid-morning, on Monday, I drove through the road restrictions at Sadler’s Farm, yet I did not see one soul carrying out any works.

“This situation has now become a complete farce, and my constituents are utterly fed up with these endless roadworks and accompanying speed restrictions.

“ECC state that there is no cost to the taxpayer, but what about the cost and continued disruption to local people and business that has now gone on for five years?

He added: “The constant buck-passing between ECC and Balfour Betty must end and both parties must take responsibility for this shambles and then finish the project, once and for all.”

Motorists have had to endure a series of weekend and overnight closures at the busy junction over the last five years, with major disruptions a regularity.

Despite the issues, ECC has not provided any information on when the work will finally be complete.

Balfour Beatty last released a newsletter updating residents on the works in December 2021 claiming construction would be finished by Spring 2022, but they are still ongoing.

The firm says it is now targeting a Summer 2022 completion.

Canvey Island resident George Whatley, 80, is reliant on using the roundabout as a driver.

He said: “The roundabout is very important as it is a pinch point for people getting off the island.

“These works have been dragging on forever and they are making life very difficult for people in Canvey as we often get stuck in traffic as a result when driving into Basildon or even London.”

Basildon councillor Kerry Smith says the works are causing strain on south Essex’s economy and need to be finished soon, with many new homes planned for the area.

“It seems like with that roundabout that the contractors have lucked into a job for life,” he said.

“They need to get it resolved once and for all, as it is so important to many parts of south Essex, connecting major parts of the economy.”

He added: “With so many new homes being built in the area, we desperately need this fixed and now.”

A spokesman for Essex County Council said: “The remedial measures at the Sadlers Farm junction are the responsibility of Balfour Beatty.

“The county council continues to work with Balfour Beatty to ensure the works are delivered successfully with minimal disruption and at no cost to Essex taxpayers.”

A Balfour Beatty spokesperson said: “We are currently undertaking a programme of remedial works on the A130 / A13 junction on behalf of Essex County Council.

“Whilst significant progress has been made towards the resolution and replacement of bridge bearings on two bridges, these works are now scheduled to complete later this year.

“We remain committed to reducing disruption to the travelling public and the local community, wherever possible, and would like to thank the public for their ongoing cooperation as we work towards fully reopening the road. All remedial works are being undertaken at no cost to the taxpayer.”