THE FIRM behind five-year long repair works to a notorious roundabout inists work will be finished by the end of the year.

Balfour Beatty is began repairs works to the A13/A130 junction of Sadlers Farm roundabout in 2017 after Essex County Council disvoered a number of defects.

The original remodelling of the junction, to replace the notorious “magic roundabout” cost over £60 million.

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To fix the issues, contracting company Balfour Betty was drafted in but the works, which entail speed restrictions and narrowing of lanes, have been ongoing for five years.

The firm has pledged the works will be finished before the end of the year, but has refused to provide an exact date for completion.

Basildon councillor Kerry Smith said: “It seems to be that his work will never come to an end.

“For years now we have had traffic stacked up the A13 and having to cut through London Road, Vange, in peak times to avoid it.

“It has to be one of the worst managed road projects I have ever seen.”

He added: “Every single year we are told it will be done and it just drags on longer and longer.

"I hope this is the year those promises come true."

Southend councillor Steven Wakefield, responsible for responsible for highways, transport and parking, said: “Like many of our residents, I have to use that roundabout in my daily life and I am fed up with how long it is taking to fix.

“It has been ongoing for many years and we are all desperate to see it finally get done.”

A Balfour Beatty spokesperson said: “Whilst significant progress has been made, the current scope of works – which are being undertaken at no additional cost to the taxpayer - are now scheduled to complete later this year.

“It is unfortunate that the programme has been delayed, but due to a number of additional works identified by Essex County Council, the revised timeline and lane closure is necessary to ensure these can be completed safely, before fully reopening the road.

“We remain committed to reducing disruption to the travelling public and the local community wherever possible and would like to thank the public for their ongoing cooperation.”