"Vital" improvement works will close the A13 throughout October.

The A13 and A130 Sadlers Farm roundabout's work kicked off yesterday, with three phases of work taking place until October 29.

As a result, there are closures scheduled on the road east and westbound on two weekends.

A spokesman for Balfour Beatty, who are carrying out the works, said: "The closures are planned for two weekends in October, with a third and final weekend contingency closure pending any potential delays due to wet weather.

"We are working to a 12-month programme and our works are due to complete at the end of 2018.

"Our works include the upgrading of existing drainage systems on the A13/A130 Link Road, remedial works to the block retaining wall and bridges, the replacement of bearings on two bridges, embankment re-profiling and carriageway strengthening on the A13 near Pitsea."

To find out more about the works, go to www.balfourbeatty.com