MOTORISTS across the Halstead and Braintree area could be faced with a diversion of more than 14 miles as a vital road link prepares for weeks of roadworks.

The A131 at High Garrett is an important road for many drivers in the area.

The road connects Braintree with Halstead along with villages such as Gosfield, Sible Hedingham and Castle Hedingham.

However, some residents in the area were recently informed that they could expect 14 nights of roadworks starting next week.

During the roadworks, the A131 will be shut to drivers.

Fortunately for residents, the roadworks will take place in the evening, starting at 8pm and finishing at 6am and are unlikely to take place over the weekend.

However, despite the relatively late closure times, it is likely to still cause delays for many residents.

The roadworks are expected to start the evening of Thursday 8 October and will last until Tuesday 27 October.

Throughout the works a clearway will be in effect meaning drivers will not be allowed to stop on the road.

The roadworks could stretch from the A131's roundabout with Broad Road near Braintree to past the road's junction with the A1017 Braintree Road.

The road is being worked on by Essex County Council who are planning to resurface the road.

While the roadworks are taking place, Essex Highways have provided a diversion for residents.

The route could divert drivers up to more than 14 miles depending on their start and end point.

The diversion would see traffic rerouted down the A120, up to Earls Colne and then to Halstead and Gosfield.

With good traffic, the route would be 25 minutes longer for drivers.

The diversion was chosen as it considered the safest route while being is accessible for drivers in large vehicles such as HGVs.

An Essex Highways spokesman said: “The work is resurfacing, where Essex Highways plane off the existing surface and relay new asphalt.

“It is the most comprehensive technique we use, where the surface is worn so that it must be replaced.

“Work is done at night to keep traffic delays to a minimum and will take place over 14 nights from Thursday 8 October to Tuesday 27.”

More more information about the roadworks and the diversion, visit one.network/?117370073.