Drivers have blasted a set of disruptive overnight roadworks on the A120, which have overrun by more than six months.

The £6 million investment scheme to resurface the stretch of road between Braintree and Marks Tey started in January 2017.

Highways England initially estimated the works would continue until May, however overnight closures at different sections of the road are still taking place.

Christopher Green was caught out by the latest closure whilst travelling back to his Braintree home from Ipswich.

“These works have been ongoing since January 2017 and on a previous occasion I complained about the poor signage by subcontractors responsible for the actual roadworks,” he said.

“Having been subjected to repeated extended closures for nearly a year, many of us who regularly travel this busy route thought that things were at an end.

“So it came as a bolt of the blue when, travelling back from Ipswich on Thursday, January 4, we were confronted with a road closure.

“No diversion signs were in place and there were repeated closures further along the A120 which created significant detours without any diversion signage.”

On Friday evening it took Noel Mead an hour and a half to travel the nine miles from his son’s assisted living flat in Braintree to his home in Broad Green because he was faced with an unexpected road closure.

He said: “The road closures make planning to do anything a lot more difficult.

“I set off from my son’s and went through Halstead and Earls Colne to try and avoid the road closure but eventually I was confronted with a road block and a line of stuck cars.

“It is possible there might have been a sign telling people where to go but I did not see it. Clearly if further roadworks are to take place without a public uprising, there is a need for better management and more effective communication to residents and for people trying to drive through the area.”

Highways England is implementing safety improvements, structural repairs and drainage work as part of the works.

A spokesman would not confirm when the works would be finished.

He said: “This work will improve safety and provide smoother journeys for the thousands of drivers that use the A120 and A12 each day.

“We understand this will cause some disruption, so we have planned the work carefully and closely with Essex County Council, parishes and other transport services to reduce its impact as much as we can.

“While we are carrying out this essential work, I would urge motorists to plan ahead and allow extra time in case of any delays.”

Visit www.gov.uk/government/organisations/highways-england.