MORE than three months of disruption could hit drivers as works take place on a major road leading to Sadlers Farm roundabout.

Essex and Suffolk Water has announced it will be carrying out works on London Road, between Tarpots and Sadlers Farm, and has warned the work could take up to 14 weeks.

As a result, one lane will be closed throughout the works, sparking fears that drivers could be hit by huge queues and long delays.

Work was initially scheduled to start on April 8, but this has been postponed for “a couple of weeks” while Cadent Gas complete works on Essex Way.

It is hoped the work will reduce the chances of water main bursts impacting the road in the future after a number of high-profile issues caused major problems in recent years.

Andrew Sheldon, Essex County councillor responsible for South Benfleet, said: “It is frustrating that the works will now require a lane closure, as their original plans did not. But I understand the pipes were not mapped out accurately years ago.

“These works need to be done to remove the old main that runs through the Tarpots junction that keeps bursting and connect a new one on a different route away from the junction. It would have been a nightmare if the works went on at the same time as the works at Essex Way, so I have asked they be postponed.”

When works begin, Essex and Suffolk Water says crews will be working from 7am to 9pm each day in a bid to complete work as soon as possible.

As the work moves along the road, temporary closures will be required on Homefields Avenue and Romsey Road, timed to happen separately and ensuring access is maintained for all residents.

Additionally, during the course of the project, two short-term lane closures will be required eastbound.

The firm has already carried out two pieces of work that reduce the chances of burst water mains closing the roads around the Sadlers Farm roundabout at Benfleet.

Daren Still, project manager at Essex and Suffolk Water, said: “This additional piece of work will allow us to go even further in protecting this busy road network from the impacts that can be felt from water main bursts. We would like to thank motorists and customers for their patience while we carry out this work.”