A GAS firm has confirmed when it is set to re-open a key south Essex route as drivers face severe delays.

One lane on the A127 was closed last week in both directions at the junction with Pound Lane, between A132 at Nevendon and A130 Fairglen Interchange, near the Dick Turpin pub, for emergency gas work.

Cadent is carrying out the works after reports of a smell of gas at the junction in the past few weeks.

A spokesman explained: “We know the road is very busy and replacing a section of pipe would be the better solution than various lane closures over a longer period of time to just complete repairs. 

“The road closure has been in place since Wednesday evening.  Replacing the entire affected section of pipe, in the long run, was agreed to be a better solution.

“We know any traffic management solution can be disruptive, but we always try to find the solution that will have the best overall outcome for our customers.  With replacing the gas pipe, no gas supplies were disrupted and the length of time we needed to be in the area was reduce considerably. ”

The emergency replacement work has now been completed and the London-bound lanes will be re-opened today, Cadent has revealed in an update today.

Unfortunately, a "flytipped caravan" has been left in the Southend-bound lane closure. This emergency closure is expected to be in place until tomorrow.

“Unfortunately, a caravan has been fly tipped in the eastbound lane closure, so we are working with the local authority to have the caravan removed," the spokesman added. 

"Once this is completed, we will be able to reopen the Southend, eastbound lanes. We hope this won’t be any later than tomorrow.

“We would like to thank people for their patience and understanding whilst we carried out this emergency work.”