The A12 over the Suffolk-Essex border is set to be closed over nights over the next few months as maintenance works are carried out.

National Highways has confirmed the project to improve the overall condition of the major road will start next Monday, February 6.

The work will be carried between junction 25 for Marks Tey and junction 31 at East Bergholt and will be undertaken in various phases, running until June.

Work will start at 9pm and end at 5am the following day on weeknights, weather permitting.

The first closure will be in place northbound between junctions 29 and 31 from Monday to Friday next week.

From Wednesday, February 15 to Monday, April 17, the same stretch of the road will be closed over week nights, but on the southbound carriageway instead.

While the closures are in place, drivers will be diverted on the A137 through Manningtree and junction 56 of the A14.

More closures are expected to be announced in due course.

National Highways said: "Work between junction 25 and junction 31 will include barrier replacement, drainage renewal, resurfacing, road studs, road lining placement and other safety improvements.

"The work here is essential and will contribute to the life expectancy of the road and make journeys safer for motorists. 

"We will be utilising these closures by carrying out as much work as possible to prevent the need for further closures in the near future."

The announcement comes after National Highways confirmed a near 20-mile stretch of the A14 in Suffolk will be closed over nights in February between Bury St Edmunds and Needham Market.

This is due to road resurfacing taking place, with the A14 only being closed in one direction at a time.