Coggeshall Road has been closed while engineers undertake work on overhead cables.
The Braintree street is shut to all traffic between Railway Street and East Street so UK Power Networks workers can replace cables.
According to Essex County Council the work is expected to be completed by 6pm this evening.
A diversion is in place via Cressing Road, Chapel Hill, Lakes Road, Manor Street, Trinovantian Way and Railway Street.
An alternative route for HGVs is available via Railway Street, Trinovantian Way, Manor Street, Lakes Road, Chapel Hill, Millenium Way, North Roundabout, Cressing Road and the Braintree Bypass.
A spokesman for Essex Highways said: “It is the responsibility of the utility, in this case UK Power Networks to put up advance warning signs and if appropriate to deliver letters to local residents, approximately two weeks ahead of works starting.
"These works are permitted to finish by 6pm.
"Unfortunately there are also emergency water repairs happening in South Street, which are probably contributing to local congestion, but by definition emergency repairs are beyond anyone’s control.”
UK Power Networks have been contacted for comment.
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