A WORRIED councillor has labelled diversions brought about by roadworks as a “major problem” as sections of the A120 are set to shut overnight for 11 weeks.

Highways England will carry out resurfacing works on the A120 in both directions between Horsley Cross roundabout and Cansey Lane, and between Ramsey roundabout and Parkeston roundabout.

The work will begin from next Monday and will take around 11 weeks to complete.

Work will be split between two phases and carried out overnight between 8pm and 6am.

During the first phase, from October 26 until November 10, drivers travelling westbound from Harwich will be diverted at the Ramsey roundabout on to the B1352, the B1414 to Thorpe, the B1033 and the A133.

Drivers travelling eastbound to Harwich will be diverted at the Horsley Cross roundabout, following the B1035 to Manningtree and the B1352 to re-join the A120 at Ramsey roundabout.

During phase two of the works, lasting from November 23 until December 17, and from January 4 until January 20, drivers travelling westbound will be diverted at Parkeston roundabout on to Parkeston Road and the B1352.

It is this last diversion which is causing Harwich councillor Ivan Henderson concern.

He said: “My fear lies with the arrival times of the regular passenger and freight ships at Harwich International Port.

“I believe one of the ships docks before 6am.

“If this is the case it will lead to a vast number of lorries using Parkeston Road in both directions during the planned road closure.

“The last time I asked the port for figures I was informed at the present time there can be as many as 1,000 lorries travelling to and from those regular ferries.”

He added: “I think it’s going to be a major problem with all those lorries trying to manoeuvre round the mini roundabout at the top of Parkeston Road.

“We need to make sure the disruption is limited to a minimum whilst these essential repairs are taking place.”

Highways England said: “We have liaised closely with the local highway authority to agree the most suitable diversion routes for these works.”