Motorists heading to and from the Basildon area via the A13 will face more delays and diversions this weekend.

But there is light at the end of the road widening tunnel as Thurrock Council has given an assurance the A13 road widening project is on course to be completed by the end of the year.

The news came ahead of another significant weekend road closure which will see the A13 closed between the Manorway and the Orsett Cock roundabout – the latest in dozens of closures over the past two years that have often blighted the lives of local residents – particularly in villages including Horndon on the Hill which has had to bear the brunt of 'rat run traffic' and HGVs diverting through unsuitable roads.

One of the final major pieces in the widening project jigsaw was completed last weekend when the final designated bridge over the A13 was demolished, an event Thurrock Council described as 'a major milestone'.

Since the project began, four bridges have been replaced, including the Horndon Road bridleway bridge, Saffron Gardens farm bridge and two bridges at the Orsett Roundabout.

A statement from the council this week said: "The A13 project reached a major milestone last weekend, following the successful demolition of the final bridge on the scheme.

"We would like to thank residents for their patience whilst this work took place.

"Works are now progressing to complete the new Orsett Cock Roundabout and to continue widening the A13 carriageway between Stanford-le-Hope and Orsett."

The council has also confirmed to Thurrock Nub News that the project 'is on schedule' to be completed, which means the new road, slipways and bridges will be fully operational by no later than 31 December according to the council's pledge to 'to complete the project in autumn/winter 2021.'

This weekend's closure will see A13 closed in both directions – between the A128 (Orsett Cock roundabout) and A1014 (Stanford-le-Hope) junctions with diversions via the A1013 Stanford Road.

The council says: "Traffic that isn't local should avoid the A13 and use the A127 instead."

There will also be significant midweek closures and diversions and the following weekend will be major closes at the Orsett Cock roundabout. Full details here.

While the council is now confident the work will be completed this year, much doubt remains about who will be picking up the increased tab for the project that has bust its budget by tens of millions.