National Highways has announced its first of two overnight weekend closures on the A12 near Romford to carry out roadworks.

The southbound carriageway between junctions 17 (Howe Green Interchange) and Gallows Corner near Romford will be shut from 8pm on Friday until 6am next Monday (March 27).

A complete overhaul of the drainage system across the width of the carriageway will be carried out on these days.

The northbound carriageway will remain open and National Highways have asked motorists to plan ahead for their journeys.

A diversion route will take traffic from the A12 at junction 17 to travel south on the A130 before turning west and joining the A127 until it meets the A12 at the Gallows Corner junction in Romford.

The works, National Highways said, will improve safety on the roads, create a smoother surface and reduce road noise.

Karl Brooks, National Highways programme delivery manager, said: “We are sorry for the inconvenience this work will cause and are doing all we can to minimise disruption."

A second closure will be necessary to complete the work from 8pm on Friday, April 14 to 6am on Monday, April 17.