EMERGENCY roadworks are causing delays in both directions on the A120 near Bradwell.

Temporary traffic lights have been put in place while the work is carried out, narrowing traffic down to one lane.

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Highways England's website states the work should be finished by 3.15pm.

Update 3.15pm: A spokesman for Highways England said the work involves replacing several metal drainage covers which had been stolen.

She said: "Our contractors are replacing some metal drainage covers that were stolen earlier this week.

"The theft was reported to police.

"We are working to replace them but it is taking a while.

"There was some temporary patching to make sure the road was safe, now the full drainage covers are being replaced."

Traffic is still slow in both directions. 

Update 5.05pm: Work is still ongoing to replace ten drainage covers on the A120 at Bradwell.

The Highways England website states work will be complete at 5.30pm however a spokesman warned the work could take longer.

There are long delays in both directions while temporary traffic lights are in place.

Update 5.25pm: Essex Highways has reported the temporary traffic lights have now been cleared.

UPDATE 1.30pm Friday: 

Emergency roadworks on A120 at Bradwell are continuing today. 

There is currently traffic queuing in both directions towards the Marks Fram roundbaout in Braintree and Coggeshall. 

UPDATE 5pm:

Essex Highways says the temporary traffic lights have now been cleared.