By Chris Carter - chris.carter@bishopsstortfordindependent.co.uk

Part of the A120 Bishop’s Stortford bypass will be closed for up to five nights this week as part of the ongoing “upgrade” of junction 8 of the M11 and the old Birchanger roundabout.

The 1.2-mile stretch will be shut between the Homebase roundabout junction with Stansted Road and the junction of Birchanger Lane and the A1250 Dunmow Road from 9pm to 5am Monday to Friday (Jan 15-19).

During the closure, the long-closed right-hand turn from Dunmow Road onto the A120 will be reopened.

A spokesperson for Essex County Council said: “A section of the A120 between Bishop’s Stortford and the Stansted Road roundabout and Dunmow Road junction will be closed to traffic overnight from January 15 to 19 with a short diversion route in place. This is to enable vegetation clearance and new signage and lighting columns to be installed.

“To ensure the works are done safely and as quickly as possible, the decision has been taken to close the road between 9pm and 5am.

“The aim is to be completed by January 18, with January 19 in place as a contingency.

“During the closure, the right-hand turn from Dunmow Road will be reopened to traffic to help minimise disruption.”

The spokesperson declined to confirm to the Indie when the whole project would be finished and whether contractor John Sisk & Son would face penalties for late completion, but added: “We recognise local people’s frustration with the duration of the works and please be assured we are working closely with our contractor to complete the scheme as quickly as possible.”