DRIVERS will be rejoicing as restrictions are finally removed from a major south Essex roundabout after years of delays, diversions, lane closures and never-ending lines of cones.

Balfour Beatty started repair works to the A13/A130 junction of Sadlers Farm roundabout in 2017 after Essex County Council discovered a series of defects.

Since, residents and drivers have been met with a seemingly never-ending string of roadworks and speed restrictions.

Back in 2022, it was claimed works would be finished by the end of the year, before then starting in January it would be just eight more weeks.

However, in April it was then revealed works had been further delayed and would not be completed until the end of May.

Finally, after more than five years of work, Rebecca Harris, Conservative MP for Castle Point, has confirmed temporary barriers and permanent lane restrictions on Sadlers Farm have been removed “for good”.

She said: “The Balfour Beatty works at the junction have blighted the main entry way into our borough for years and it wasn’t until I requested a meeting with a managing director of the company in Parliament in November that the borough got an apology for the delays and a timeframe for when the 24/7 lane restrictions would finally be lifted for good.

“That time finally came last night, and all restrictions were removed by 4.30am.

“When I was told it was finally happening last night, I insisted I be there to see it for my own eyes.

“It was a very early start but when I got there, confirmed it with the crews and saw the cones being loaded away, I was so relieved. I couldn’t help but ask if I could lend a hand to get it done just that little bit quicker.

“I think the entire borough is pleased to see the back of those permanent cones and barriers and finally see the end of these works.”

Work has included the replacement of bridge bearings and structural repairs on the Sadlers Farm and the Sadlers Hall bridges as well as fencing and barrier improvement work on the A130.

The Castle Point MP claimed all of the work has been completed, which will be a huge relief for motorists.

Mrs Harris added: “I am told the only thing left to do is apply a single coat of water-resistant paint on one section of bridge bearings.

“That was due to take place last night. With that the works that have caused so many hours of delays for so many residents and people passing through our borough will be done, hopefully never to return.”

A Balfour Beatty spokesperson said: “We can confirm that the traffic management restrictions on the A13/A130 at Sadlers Farm junction have been removed following the successful replacement of the bridge bearings on Sadlers Farm Bridge.”

However, the company said: “There remains in place a very small section of traffic management on the A13 Eastbound between Pitsea Interchange and Sadlers Farm Junction which is required to ensure the safe replacement of the acoustic barrier along this section of road.

“Due to emergency gas works required by Essex County Council, this work is scheduled to commence on Saturday June 3 with completion expected at the end of the month.

“We would like to thank the public and local community once again for their ongoing patience as we carry out the final section of works and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause”.