FURIOUS locals who live next to Britain’s longest-running roadworks have branded the project a “pure waste of money”.
Beginning in 2015, the cost of the roadworks has soared over the years – much to the frustration of drivers.
Witham is a bustling commuter town in the heart of Essex, with many using the A12 to get to work in London.
However, roadworks at the Woodend Bridge regularly disrupt journeys.
The works began in 2015 and have continued ever since, making them the longest running roadworks in Britain.
The BBC uncovered that the work has cost the roadwork’s traffic flow control system alone has cost taxpayers £473,196 since 2018.
Some commuters have tried to find humour in the situation.
One took to TripAdvisor to recommend the traffic lights to tourists.
He said: “Although it can be slightly annoying to be stuck at these lights, the pure joy and euphoria you feel when the light is green is out of this world.”
The roadworks even made it to the top of TripAdvisor’s list of the top attractions in Witham, with fans declaring them a “national treasure”.
However, frustration has continued to build and some residents are fed up.
One said: “It’s quite embarrassing when you read the news and see you’ve got the longest-running roadworks in the country.”
Another opened up about how the delays have begun affecting their business.
Alistair McColm told the BBC that the staff at his kennel and cattery often receive abuse from motorists because of the delays.
He also revealed that farmers have been struggling, as they use the bridge to get back to Witham.
National Highways have previously said that the closure has been necessary because the bridge is “unable to safely support the weight of traffic”.
They are planning to finish installing a replacement bridge beam by the end of 2026, at a cost of £1.6 million.
According to them, they have been finalising a design which causes the least disruption to drivers who rely on the A12 which runs underneath the bridge.
The news comes as Britain’s busiest motorway closed for four days over the weekend.
The M25 shut between Junction 10 and 11 on March 7 and will reopen on March 10.
However, the M25 will close again from March 21 until March 24 as work continues.
National Highways have warned travellers to adjust their travel plans, as the route is one of the most popular ways of getting to Gatwick and Heathrow airports.
Braintree Council have been approached for comment about the roadworks.
