A major project that has seen parts of the A12 closed for almost two years has been completed. 

National Highways has been reconstructing part of the major route between Marks Tey and Stanway as part of a £44 million project. 

The scheme was initially hoped to be finished by February this year but has been pushed back twice as a result of delays. 

A spokesman for National Highways said: "We’ve now removed all of the temporary traffic barriers, cones, and speed limit reductions on the A12 between junction 25 at Marks Tey and junction 26 at Stanway.

"Our road reconstruction work is now finished, and all lanes are now back to operating at the national speed limit. Please drive carefully while adjusting to the change of speed.

"The end of this scheme marks a significant milestone in our 5-year national concrete roads enhancement project, which is helping ensure smoother and quieter journeys for thousands of motorists on the A12 for decades to come."

During the project National Highways has recycled 48,000 tonnes of old concrete road, laid 60,000 tonnes of asphalt, removed 66,000 tonnes of soil and applied 26,000 metres of new white lines.

The spokesman also thanked those living nearby and those who regularly use the road for their patience while the project has been completed. 

The spokesman added: "Although the main part of our reconstruction work is now complete, in the coming weeks you may notice some of our crew out on the A12 carrying out final checks and removing cameras and equipment under lane closures."