SEVEN months of roadworks begin today, bringing delays to two of Basildon’s busiest roads.

Essex County Council warned motorists to expect delays in Nethermayne and Dry Street until April, while it widens parts of Nethermayne.

This is likely to be made worse by Basildon Hospital being given permission to have temporary access to Dry Street – expected to cause jams.

Nethermayne carries more than 25,000 vehicles a day and is considered to be over capacity.

The £3.4million work involves adding an extra lane for cars travelling between the hospital roundabout and the junction with Ashdon Way, and two lanes in both directions under the railway bridge up to the junction with the Roundacre roundabout.

In addition, the existing junction at Ashdon Way will be upgraded.

A County Hall spokesman said: “The benefits of the scheme include reduced journey times and improved access to Basildon Hospital, so ambulances going to the hospital can pass general traffic.

“While every effort will be made to minimise the impact of the work on traffic flowand journey times, delays should be expected.

“There are no plans to close the road. Traffic management and advanced warning signs will be in place, advising road users of the work.”

Yesterday, Basildon Council approved permission for the hospital to have a temporary secondary exit only to Dry Street, which is normally reserved just for ambulances visiting the cardiothoracic centre, to ease peak-time congestion.

A council report said: “The proposed temporary relaxation of this condition to enable vehicles to leave the hospital grounds could lead to a substantial increase in traffic using Dry Street at peak times.

“However, this is intended for a limited period while the road improvements to Nethermayne are carried out, and ensures the hospital grounds do not become gridlocked.”